[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 117 (Monday, September 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1685-E1686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       WELFARE REFORM IS WORKING

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                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 1997

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, in 1996, more than 1.3 million people left 
the welfare rolls. And more than 650,000 of those left in just the last 
4 months of the year--following the enactment of the Personal 
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act. This is truly a success. 
Former welfare recipients across the Nation, from San Diego to Atlanta 
to Boston, have touted our welfare reform bill as the best thing that 
ever could have happened to them. One former recipient even said, ``My 
life is so much better. I feel better about myself.'' Another said, 
``This is the best thing I ever could've done for myself.''
  We are now witnessing the most dramatic decline in welfare caseloads 
in the 60-year history of welfare as a result of our efforts to change 
the mind-set surrounding welfare and to give States more flexibility to 
design their own programs. But to give credit where credit is due, 
States and communities across the country are well ahead of Washington. 
This is where the success stories are being created. And this is where 
the shift in attitude is taking place on a daily basis.
  Mr. Speaker, as our Nation moves away from the failed welfare 
policies of the past, the role of Washington must be to give States the 
power and resources to begin moving people into self-sufficiency. We 
must encourage, promote and empower neighbors, charities,

[[Page E1686]]

churches, small businesses, and community organizations to be more 
active in rebuilding strong communities.
  Welfare offices now judge their success not by how many people are on 
welfare, but by the number of people they have moved off welfare into a 
life of dignity and independence. The focus is now on helping families 
out of poverty, not keeping them in it. I'd say it's obvious that 
welfare reform really is working.

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