We need to design a welfare system that is transitional, helping families achieve self-sufficiency in a reasonable amount of time. Job training, vocational education, and literacy programs can help welfare recipients become qualified for employment. The availability of child care will permit single parents on welfare to get training and then a job. This is critical to the success of any welfare program. All of these functions, as well as cash and other assistance, would be authorized under welfare reform legislation passed last year by Congress.
Children are an important constituency of the welfare system.
We must not forget them in designing a new welfare system. The best way to ensure their future is to move their families into self-sufficiency. At the same time, we must be aware of the situations where these children need extra protection. We must ensure that adequate safeguards are provided for these children needing extra help from the system. I support more flexibility for states and local governments.