We believe the Governor and the legislature should take a closer look at our neighbor to the south. Oregon's welfare reform program is a work program, and as more Oregonians have gone to work, the welfare caseload has declined. Last year we spoke with Sandie Hoback, Oregon's Adult and Family Services' administrator, who said that instead of fixating on eligibility requirements, the state welfare agency has become a full-service employment center. This means that when a client applies for assistance in Oregon they will receive job services. Wage subsidies are paid from a pool of public assistance benefits, and guaranteed supportive services are available throughout the transition to self-sufficiency.
Employers benefit from a larger work force from which to recruit workers.
They have the opportunity to try out new workers at new jobs at little or no initial wage cost. On a more subjective level, employers also have the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of fellow citizens as they help reduce the need for public assistance.