By giving states block grants with no strings attached, the federal government is giving away a license to steal. There is no requirement that states must spend any of this money on poor women and children. These work requirements ignore the fact that most women on welfare are already working or looking for work. The lack of well-paying jobs with health insurance keeps many women dependent on welfare. Other Democratic amendments include a requirement that states continue their current spending levels, and exceptions to the time limit for getting off welfare for domestic violence victims.
Welfare programs are also an important safety net for women escaping domestic violence.
Copyright 1995, The Feminist Majority Foundation and New Media Publishing Inc.