Once California decisionmakers formulate more specific responses to the new law, other crucial issues for children can be followed as well. Focus on what it means for women on welfare to find work. Detail the obstacles women face in finding and paying for child care for their children while they are working. The options for many of these women are limited. Many of the jobs these women will be able to find will not offer health insurance.
Statistics show that the largest group of uninsured is the working poor.
Highlight what needs to be built into any welfare plan to make it succeed for women and their children. In many cases women receiving welfare are less educated with less work experience than women overall in similar age categories. It is estimated that close to half of welfare recipients do not have a high school diploma. Emphasize what types of employees businesses are looking for by talking to employers and job search firms. Focus on what it means for a woman with no high school diploma and limited job skills to find work, let alone child care and health insurance for her children.