FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 16, 1996
CONTACT: Dana Hagerty 202/225-2165
WASHINGTON, DC -- “I am pleased this Congress is finally taking the initiative to accomplish something on the very important issue of welfare reform,” said Congressman Collin C. Peterson (DFL-7th District) today.
“Progress was finally made on welfare reform when Republicans agreed to separate this issue from the Medicaid bill,” Peterson said. “I have made welfare reform one of my priorities, as have the Blue Dogs, and now that we are proceeding with a bipartisan bill I feel as if this Congress is doing what we were sent here to do.
“The legislation includes a general ban on welfare benefits for non-citizens, a time limit for welfare benefits, and an emphasis on work over welfare,” Peterson said. “Welfare is a helping hand, but we have got to do something to make sure it is only temporary -- that people on welfare are able to get back on their feet and take care of themselves.”
The bipartisan welfare reform plan is expected to come to the House floor for a vote on Thursday.