*This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.
1993.06.21 :  Welfare Reform

Contact:  HHS Press Office     Monday, June 21, 1993
(202) 690-6343

       The Clinton Administration is today reaffirming its
commitment "to end welfare as we know it" by making the welfare
system the transitional assistance program it was meant to be.  HHS
Secretary Donna E. Shalala told the U.S. Conference of Mayors,
meeting in New York, that "welfare reform is one of the highest
priorities of this administration."
       Shalala told the mayors that the Welfare Reform Working
Group established by President Clinton has begun the task of
developing a program whose goal is to enable recipients to leave
welfare within two years.  
       The administration's vision of welfare reform rests on the
twin themes of opportunity and responsibility, Shalala said.  "We
believe that our goal is realistic and in the best interests of
welfare recipients and the American public.  We want to provide
welfare recipients the opportunity to prepare for and enter the
workforce, which we believe they have a responsibility to do," she
said in later remarks.  "Welfare cannot last forever."
       The Clinton Administration is convinced that welfare use and
welfare costs can and must be curtailed.  The best way to reduce
long-term welfare costs is to end welfare dependency for the
substantial portion of recipients who currently stay on the rolls
two years or longer.
       The Welfare Reform Working Group announced two weeks ago by
the White House is co-chaired by Deputy Domestic Policy Advisor
Bruce Reed and HHS Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
David Ellwood.  They will be joined by the HHS Assistant Secretary
for Children and Families, when the position is confirmed by the
Senate.  Mary Jo Bane has been nominated for the ACF position.
       The group is charged with exploring creative solutions to
the obstacles that have prevented welfare recipients from entering
or re-entering the workforce.  The working group expects to consult
with elected officials, experts, and program recipients from around
the country in an effort to devise a plan to submit to Congress.
       "There is a great deal of support for welfare reform on
Capitol Hill and nationwide," said Secretary Shalala.  "I am
confident that working together with state and local officials,
Congressional leaders and committee chairpersons, we will craft a
legislative package that will successfully transition people from
welfare to work."
     
                                ###