[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 9, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTION OF THE WORKING TOWARD INDEPENDENCE ACT OF 2002

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                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2002

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, today, I am pleased to introduce the 
``Working Toward Independence Act of 2002'' to reauthorize the work-
related provisions of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 
(TANF) block grant, and the Child Care and Development Block Grant 
(CCDBG).
  This legislation will build upon the historic welfare reform law 
passed in 1996--a law that made a fundamental shift in policy by 
encouraging personal responsibility and promoting work. For the first 
time in the history of social welfare policy, benefits were tied to 
work. Because of the principle of ``work first'' and a purpose to help 
people better themselves, a whole new culture of personal 
responsibility was created within the program.
  The results have been nothing short of dramatic. For example, there 
has been an historic decline in the welfare rolls; increases in 
employment for low-income single mothers, who comprise the population 
most likely to need assistance; and a sustained decline in child 
poverty. Even with the robust economy of the late 1990's, recent 
studies confirm that welfare reform is largely responsible for the 
declining caseload and increase in work. The law's promotion of work 
made the crucial difference in maximizing opportunities for welfare 
recipients.
  But there is work remaining for us to do. Too many families receiving 
assistance are not engaged in activities that will lead to self-
sufficiency. This year, Congress must build upon the success of the 
1996 law by providing additional options for families on welfare to 
move into productive jobs, become self-reliant and obtain independence. 
I am proud to say that the bill that I am introducing today will do 
just that.
  The legislation, based on the Administration's proposal, strengthens 
work rules to ensure that all families are engaged in a full week of 
work and other activities that will lead to self sufficiency. Families 
will be permitted to combine real work with education and training to 
help recipients advance in their jobs. In addition, states will need to 
have plans achieving the work related goals of TANF. States will be 
encouraged to coordinate their TANF work programs with the One-Stop 
Career Center system created through the Workforce Investment Act of 
1998, so that former recipients will continue to have access to 
additional training resources.
  However, we know that families cannot maintain employment without 
reliable, safe child care for their children. That is why this bill 
will also maintain the unprecedented commitment of federal support for 
child care by authorizing $2.1 billion annually for CCDBG for state 
child care programs. In addition, the bill improves the program by 
helping target funds set-aside for quality activities and encouraging 
states to address the cognitive needs of young children so that they 
are developmentally prepared to enter school. The bill also provides 
states maximum flexibility in developing child care programs and 
policies that best meet the needs of children and parents.
  Finally, the bill will provide significant new waiver authority for 
states to design programs that improve services to needy families. This 
provision will encourage states to continue the experimentation at the 
state and local level that preceded the federal welfare reform action 
in 1996.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important 
legislation that enhances opportunities for families to move up the 
economic ladder and access quality child care for their children.

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