New Democrat Update - December 1996
From Welfare to Work
Now that the federal legislation is in place, welfare reform is sure to be a hot issue this state legislative session. Since recipients are now required to go to work within two years while facing a five-year lifetime limit on benefits, Democrats should focus on solutions that make work pay. To go from welfare to work, adequate support services like child and health care will be needed, along with tough child support enforcement.
Democrats should place strong emphasis on work, coupled with aggressive job placement efforts offered competitively by nonprofit, for-profit and public sector organizations. These service providers offer a connection to the world of work and continue to deliver support services, including education and training, to recipients after placement. Service providers are paid only when a recipient gets and keeps a job - dollars follow results.
To achieve these goals, the state should delegate some decision-making to the counties. However, since the GOP is badly split on the fundamental goals of welfare reform, Colorado Republicans in the legislature may try to totally "pass the buck."
Economic conservatives are likely to see welfare reform merely as a way to cut the budget. At the same time, the radical right will probably emphasize misguided proposals that simplistically place blame on mothers and coldly punish children.
Democrats, with the help of moderate Republicans, can do what is right for Colorado. To achieve truly effective results, work must be the focus of welfare reform. And to accomplish that objective, the transition from welfare-to-work, must pay.
If you would like a copy of the DLC's proposal - "Work First: A Progressive Strategy to Replace Welfare with a Competitive Employment System, " please e-mail your contact information.
In the Press
Teen pregnancy is a major contributor to the welfare rolls. In fact, 77 percent of unmarried adolescent mothers go on public assistance within five years.
If Democrats back pragmatic solutions for teen pregnancy and welfare reform, the public debate will be enhanced. As demonstrated by the reelection of President Clinton, mainstream positions on values are key to political success.