PRESS RELEASE:
Matheson Backs Welfare Reform that Works in Utah
Opposes Bill With Unfunded Mandates
Washington, D.C.-Rep. Jim Matheson voted for a welfare reform package that
he says would continue the successful model that has helped thousands of
Utahns move off the welfare roles and into the workforce. The House Thursday
passed a bill-HR 4-- reauthorizing the 1996 welfare reform legislation that
expired last year, which Matheson did not support.
"The legislation I support is similar to a bipartisan Senate bill authored
by Sen. Orrin Hatch," said Matheson. "It builds on the success of the 1996
welfare reform law by preserving state flexibility and encouraging more work.
It is a bipartisan proposal that rewards real work and doesn't penalize two-parent
families."
Matheson points to figures from the Utah Department of Workforce Services
that show a 42 percent decrease in the number of Utah welfare clients since
the passage of the 1996 welfare reform measure. He said a key factor in the
state's success has been having the flexibility to tailor Utah's program
to Utah citizens' needs.
"The bill passed by the House creates unfunded mandates for states. It requires
more people to go to work, but does not provide the resources they need,
such as childcare. The measure I supported was a common sense approach that
recognizes and builds on Utah's welfare reform achievements over the past
six years," said Matheson.
Alyson Heyrend
Press Secretary
240 E. Morris Ave., #235
Salt Lake City UT 84115
(801) 486-1236 fax (801) 486-1417