[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[April 10, 1992]
[Page 578]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Wisconsin Welfare Reform

April 10, 1992
    Last week in Philadelphia, I called for sweeping reform of how 
Government works. Nowhere is this need more apparent than in our 
Nation's welfare system. Our current system allows welfare to be a way 
of life. We must try new ways to get welfare to yield to work.
    In our Federal system, States often act as laboratories for 
innovation. Welfare reform is an example. I am renewing my call to 
States to come forward with reforms which, like Wisconsin's, replace the 
assumptions of our current welfare system. We need to explore new 
incentives for welfare recipients to work and act responsibly in the 
best interest of their families. That is what underlies Wisconsin's 
``Parental and Family Responsibility Project.''
    I am committed to facilitating welfare reform by accelerating the 
approval process for every State with a worthy proposal that asks our 
help. Today, I am pleased to make good on my promise. Wisconsin's 
``Parental and Family Responsibility Project'' has been approved 4 weeks 
after it was submitted.
    Wisconsin is at the forefront of the welfare reform movement. 
Governor Tommy Thompson is a leader in the process of reform that will 
make welfare work.