*This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.
1994.05.11 : Statement Responding to Mainstream Forum Welfare Plan

Contact:  IOS/Public Affairs                 Melissa Skolfield
Wednesday, May 11, 1994                      (202) 690-6853

            STATEMENT RESPONDING TO MAINSTREAM FORUM PLAN

     Mary Jo Bane, David Ellwood and Bruce Reed, co-chairs of
President Clinton's Working Group on Welfare Reform, issued the
following statement today in response to the introduction of welfare
reform legislation by members of the Mainstream Forum:

     "The members of the Mainstream Forum have introduced a
     thoughtful and effective piece of legislation, which in many
     ways mirrors the recommendations of the President's working
     group on welfare reform.  We applaud their emphasis on
     rewarding work, demanding responsibility, providing opportunity
     and promoting the family.  Following President Clinton's
     vision, their bill correctly focuses on restoring basic values
     to a welfare system that is badly in need of reform.

     "Like the President's plan, this legislation is based on a
     simple compact.  Support, job training and child care will be
     provided to help people move from dependence to independence. 
     But after two years, anyone who can work, must work - in the
     private sector if possible, in a public service job if
     necessary.  

     "The introduction of this legislation is further proof of the
     broad consensus in Congress on the President's blueprint for
     fundamental change in the welfare system.  The emphasis on
     work, child support enforcement and prevention of teen
     pregnancy is very much in keeping with the President's goals.
     
     "We look forward to working with members of the Mainstream
     Forum, and other members of Congress in both houses and of both
     parties, to pass legislation to make welfare what it ought to
     be: a transitional system leading to work.  We also look
     forward to working with Congress on the development of a
     balanced, fair, deficit-neutral financing package."



                                 ###