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Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date. Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.
For more information call: 202-219-6871
President Bill Clinton announced today that nine states,
the District of Columbia and two territories will receive nearly $234 million
for the second year of their Welfare-to-Work programs, which began in July.
The funds are provided to states out of $3 billion
appropriated in 1997. The second-year funds represent the final amount
available for Welfare-to-Work unless Congress re-authorizes the program.
The jurisdictions are: District of Columbia, $4.3 million;
Maryland, $13.9 million; Massachusetts, $19.2 million; New Hampshire, $2.6
million; Oregon, $8 million; Pennsylvania, $41.3 million; Puerto Rico, $32.2
million; Rhode Island, $4.1 million; Texas, $70.9 million; Virgin Islands,
$515,000; Virginia, $15.4 million; and Washington, $21.1 million.
"While millions of people have made the move from welfare
to work, there are still many who need our help," President Clinton said. "This
administration is committed to helping long-term welfare recipients and
non-custodial parents get the work experience and skills they need to find and
keep good jobs and support their families."
"It's not just about getting a job, but keeping a job,"
Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman said. "The support this funding gives our
newest workers means the difference between success and failure. We have to do
all we can to help move people from dependency to self-sufficiency, especially
by ensuring we have the resources to accomplish this vital goal."
The Administration's Welfare-to-Work re-authorization,
reflected in legislation recently introduced by Congressman Benjamin Cardin of
Maryland and Senator Daniel K. Akaka of Hawaii, will invest an additional $1
billion to help long-term welfare recipients move into lasting, unsubsidized
employment and help more low-income fathers meet their responsibilities to
their children.
The funds will make possible a variety of services and
activities, including community service and work experience, on-the-job
training, and post-employment and support services to address issues of child
care, transportation and housing.
Each of the jurisdictions funded today has actively
developed and implemented strategies to help long-term welfare recipients
achieve self-sufficiency.
Under the 1997 Budget Reconciliation Act, $2.2 billion was
allocated by formula to states for Welfare-to-Work efforts. The formula is
based on the states' population of poor people. An additional $711.5 million is
being awarded competitively by the Secretary of Labor to local communities for
innovative projects.
Additional information about the welfare-to-work program
can be found at http://wtw.doleta.gov.
Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.
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