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1993.
11.01 :  Wisconsin Welfare Demonstration Project

US DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Contact:  David Siegel
Monday, November 1, 1993 
(202) 401-9215

     HHS Deputy Secretary Walter D. Broadnax today announced the
department's approval of a welfare demonstration in the state of
Wisconsin.  The demonstration will operate in two Wisconsin
counties.
     Under the plan, called "Work Not Welfare," most recipients
of Aid to Families with Dependent Children cash assistance will
be required to work or look for jobs.  The plan provides case
management, employment activities and work experience to
facilitate employment.  Generally, receipt of AFDC cash
assistance would be time-limited, except under certain
conditions, such as inability to find employment in the local
area due to lack of appropriate jobs.
     "Our approval of Wisconsin's demonstration shows that the
Clinton administration is serious about providing states with the
flexibility needed to test innovations," Broadnax said.  "This is
one of several state demonstrations designed to test the concept
of time-limited receipt of AFDC benefits."
     The Wisconsin program also includes the following elements
which will affect the state's AFDC program:

     -- With exceptions, receipt of AFDC benefits will be limited
to two years in a four-year period, and once benefits are
exhausted, recipients are ineligible for 36 months;

      --The 100 hour work rule is eliminated; and

      -- Child support will be paid directly to the AFDC
custodial parent in cases where the funds are collected by the
state.
     
     The demonstration will be carefully evaluated and will run
for 11 years.
     HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala, who was chancellor of the
University of Wisconsin and remains a professor on leave from the
state-supported university while serving at HHS, recused herself
from the Wisconsin waiver decision.