[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 92 (Friday, July 15, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 15, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
            INTRODUCTION OF THE FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY ACT

                                 ______


                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 1994

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Family Self-
Sufficiency Act of 1994. I am putting forth this proposal because I 
believe that we must broaden the debate over how best to reform the 
Nation's welfare system.
  All of us--the public, legislators, and those on AFDC--agree that the 
Nation's welfare system needs to be reformed. It does not work 
sufficiently to meet the needs of either those dependent on AFDC or the 
taxpayers who support the program.
  The debate over welfare reform has been characterized by little more 
than demands to get tough on recipients. Far too great an emphasis has 
been placed on how long people should be able to receive AFDC benefits, 
and too little on the question of how to truly break the cycle of 
poverty and dependency that threaten the lives of the most needy women 
and children in our society.
  The bill I am introducing today places its emphasis on providing the 
tools and supports necessary for those on AFDC to become self 
sufficient. The welfare reform debate cannot focus solely on sticks and 
punitive measures to evoke change. We must also use carrots by 
providing services that motivate women to find jobs and stay employed, 
such as safe and affordable child care and health care coverage. These 
benefits must continue once families leave AFDC for a job, to ensure 
that they can remain independent of the welfare system.
  All welfare recipients are not alike, and for this reason we cannot 
assume that they all will be able to succeed in a specified time 
period. The bill I am introducing today contains benefits for 
participating, as well as penalties for noncompliance. However, these 
are granted on an individualized basis that recognizes that people 
learn and advance at different speeds.
  I think that we can improve the Nation's welfare programs, but we 
must do so in a compassionate manner that recognizes the challenges 
these families face. I believe the family self-sufficiency provides 
this new voice.

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