March 9, 2005
State Lawmakers Endorse Federal Welfare Reauthorization Bill
U.S. Senate Finance bill continues progress made since landmark partnership
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Conference of State Legislatures announced its support for a federal proposal that would continue the progress states have made in moving families from welfare to work since 1996.
The Personal Responsibility and Individual Development for Everyone (PRIDE) Act would reauthorize the welfare reform partnership forged between the state and federal governments in 1996. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 was responsible for moving more than 2 million families from welfare to work.
"State legislators are very focused on work, and the PRIDE Act emphasizes the dignity of work and rewards state efforts in getting more recipients into work," said Maryland Delegate John Hurson and New York Senator Raymond Meier in a letter to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee chair and ranking member. "We believe that this bill will enable states to continue the progress they have made since 1996 in moving families from welfare to work, and are grateful for the sensitivity you have shown for state concerns."
The proposed PRIDE Act preserves state financial flexibility that has been key to the success of the welfare reform movement. The bill also includes:
- A significant amount of child care funding to offset the higher work participation rates;
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An increase in the work participation rates over five years from the current 50 percent to 70 percent;
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Important child support pass through and distribution changes and financial flexibility for the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families block grant; and
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Major new funding for healthy marriage, family formation and fatherhood programs.
"The inclusion of additional child care funding in this legislation is critical to meet the increased work participation requirements," said Senator Meier. "These increases allow states to continue to address the needs of working parents and avoid cuts to services that would be necessary if Congress had shifted the cost to the states."
NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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