What's next with welfare?

• Author: Tweedie, Jack
• Position: Welfare reform

It is now that we are beginning to see what the future of looks like. President Clinton's campaign pledge to fare as we know it' became the catch phrase of welfare reform. Numerous state legislators and governors as well as Congress and the Clinton administration committed themselves to eliminating the current Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program, but plans about what would replace it lacked specifics.

This may be changing. Recent legislative efforts in Michigan and Wisconsin represent the most concrete examples of the coming generation of welfare programs. These new programs eliminate entitlements to cash assistance for qualified families and establish broad work obligations. This emphasis on work reflects public concerns about making recipients self-sufficient, but it remains to be seen whether these programs can overcome the barriers and limited opportunities that recipients face in finding jobs that can move their families out of poverty.

ENCOURAGING INDEPENDENCE IN MICHIGAN

Michigan passed legislation in December 1995 that eliminates the AFDC program and establishes the Family Independence Program. The legislation sets out the broad outlines of the new program and gives responsibility to complete its design to a newly created Family Independence Agency (FIA).

The Michigan program is based on work. Gerald Miller, architect of the plan, explains, "We want to bang it into people's heads that it pays to work. We want them to know that you don't have a choice in Michigan anymore of not doing something productive." As a condition of receiving assistance, adult recipients must enter into a social contract with the FIA outlining responsibilities and self-sufficiency objectives. Clients will be required to participate for a minimum of 20 hours a week in the Work First employment and training program. Exemptions from this requirement are limited -- but include taking care of a child under 3 months old, attending elementary or high school full-time, being physically or mentally disabled or taking care of a child or spouse who is disabled. Work First will be administered by the Michigan Jobs Commission. Employ-ment will be the primary objective for participants with opportunities for community service or training programs if employment is not secured in 60 days. Child care and transportation assistance will be available. Failure to comply with the terms of the social contract will result in benefits being reduced or cut off...