[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 40 (Friday, March 3, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H2586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     STATES MUST BE GIVEN A CHANCE TO SOLVE SOCIAL WELFARE PROBLEMS

  (Mr. BALLENGER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BALLENGER. Mr. Speaker, freedom and responsibility. These are two 
of the most important goals of our welfare programs, and right now, 
these are the two goals we have not achieved.
  For over 3 years the Federal Government has thrown more and more 
money into entitlements that just continue the cycle of poverty and 
dependence. Throwing more money at our problems just does not work. Our 
social safety net has become a black hole from which there is often no 
return.
  Let us give the States a chance to solve their own social welfare 
problems on their own. Giving the States back the right to take care of 
their own people makes good sense. The welfare needs of Idaho or 
Wyoming are certainly different from those of New York.
  Congress should learn to appreciate the diversity between States and 
let each one tackle poverty and hunger in its own unique way.
  We have had our chance. Now let us have the States show us what they 
can do.


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