WASHINGTON, DC -- "We are going to change the welfare system in this Congress, and I believe we will do it with this plan," said Congressman Collin Peterson (D-MN) today. "THE COALITION's decision to support the Individual Responsibility Act of 1995 is a good first step toward coming together to get the right legislation passed by this Congress.
"I have already signed onto this bill as an original cosponsor," Peterson said. "In my opinion, this plan is the best plan, and I believe it is the one that this Congress will support.
"Our plan calls for finality -- a cut-off date for assistance, while the Democratic plan does not," Peterson continued. "Without that cut-off, welfare recipients have no reason to get off welfare. In addition, people have to begin looking for work immediately upon applying for welfare assistance. The Republican plan does not have that requirement. Our plan gives states more flexibility, while the Republican plan gives them less money to do more with.
"The Individual Responsibility Act of 1995 calls for just that - individual responsibility. The Republican plan denies benefits to mothers under age 18. Under our plan, minor mothers can receive benefits, but they must live with a parent and remain in school. We also give the states the option to impose a family cap limiting benefit increases to those who have additional children while receiving welfare assistance. The Republican plan mandates a family cap.
"We are supporting this plan because we believe this is where Congress will end up on welfare reform," Peterson said. "This is the plan that makes sense and tackles the problem head on. We have let the current welfare system become a part of this country that most people are less than proud of. With this plan, that would change."
THE COALITION is going to work with the Rules Committee to offer this bill as a substitute or a single amendment to the Republican plan.