Thomas M. Barrett: “If the proponents of this legislation were serious, they would take a look at what happened in 1992 when President Bush…”

“If the proponents of this legislation were serious, they would take a look at what happened in 1992 when President Bush issued a waiver and it was struck down by the court because there was not a public comment period. But they are not serious. This is not about welfare reform. This is not about helping poor people who should get off welfare, some of whom are there because they are trapped, some are there because they have trapped themselves, some are there because the system has trapped them. This is all about Presidential politics. Let us take a look at what the President said. The President said, ``I am encouraged by what I have seen so far. All in all, Wisconsin has the makings of a solid, bold welfare reform plan. We should get it done. I pledge that my administration will work with Wisconsin to make an effective transition to a new vision of welfare based on work that protects children and does right by working people and their families.''”