Utah Reauthorization Project
P. O. Box 270090 Fruitland, UT 84027-0090
(435) 548-2630 FAX (435) 548-2438 wrw@ubtanet.com

UREAP MEETING SUMMARY

Tuesday, September 24, 2002
2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Horizonte Education and Training Center
1234 S. Main Street, SLC, Library

In Attendance

Helen Thatcher, Department of Workforce Services (DWS)
Robin Arnold-Williams, Department of Human Services (DHS)
Pat Nielson, Utah Issues Board, League of Women Voters
Lois Kelson, Community Action Services, Provo
Sheila Walsh-McDonald, Salt Lake Community Action Program (CAP)
Karen Silver, Salt Lake CAP
Dee Rowland, Catholic Diocese
Kerry Steadman, Salt Lake County Human Services
Tina Johnson, MS Society, Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities
Bill Walsh, Walsh & Weathers Research and Policy Studies (WWRPS)
Shirley Weathers, WWRPS

Latest Developments on Welfare Reform Reauthorization

    Shirley Weathers began the discussion with recent UREAP staff activities.

    Shirley reported on a conversation with Becky Shipp, Hatch's staff (on 9/24). Becky said the bill could be dealt with in a week if the will could be found. She encouraged us to contact Senator Daschle. She said that politics was driving the agenda in Congress. Becky said she thought CRs of various possible lengths are more likely at this point than a WORK Act vote. She said that, although there are many reasonable changes to the WORK Act out there, putting pressure on Senators to accomplish them under the circumstances can jeopardize any chances there may be to get the WORK Act on the Senate calendar at all. Since time before adjournment is so short and Appropriations bills must be dealt with along with other high profile legislation, all efforts to get the WORK Act considered are going in the direction of severely limiting Floor time from start to finish; amendments promise the opposite scenario. She said that Senate staffers are ready to go if it is put on the Floor Schedule.

    Robin Arnold-Williams commented that if Welfare Reform Reauthorization does not pass this Session, it would take some time for the new Congress to organize itself and start over on Reauthorization. CRs are likely, but their length is in dispute. The Appropriations process is at a standstill. The House has passed five of 13 bills; the Senate has only passed three. None have gone to Conference. Homeland Security and talk of going to war dominate the news. The White House is showing some signs of compromise on welfare reform. Senators Daschle and Lott are trying to reach a deal to limit debate and amendments on the Work Act. Money may be tight--there is an estimate that a war could cost $200 billion.

    Robin addressed the question of the effect of PRWORA lapsing, i.e., of it not being reauthorized. She said the $16.5 billion block grant would continue, but supplemental grants to states, child care funding, Medicaid TMA, state Maintenance of Effort (MOE) and other provisions would no longer be operative. Robin shared an APHSA list of "must-have" items for a CR. They are working to include items where there is agreement of major parties, as well as other items they hope to see included. Robin's best guess is that there will be short term, probably separate, CRs dealing with Appropriations and dealing with welfare reform reauthorization to prevent Welfare programs from lapsing. She said such CRs are expected just before the end of September. The latest date being discussed for adjournment (or recess, if there is to be a Lame Duck session) is October 11. Robin's preference is for a three-year CR. This would provide the funding and programmatic stability to allow state programs to maintain continuity and take welfare reform beyond the next Presidential Election. She said other national groups have priorities they are trying to get into this legislation, but there is widespread agreement on the "must-have" items.

    Robin said political realities are very complex. Senator Breaux has begun pre-Conference Committee discussions on Welfare Reform Reauthorization. Senator Grassley, the ranking Republican, is expected to try to introduce a substitute if the WORK Act gets to the Floor. Fifty-four Senators, including Hatch and Bennett, have signed on to, or sent, letters to Daschle urging action. The option of the Lame Duck Session is clearly linked to the "Missouri Provision." The Missouri race between the incumbent Democrat Callahan (who was seated in place of her husband who died in office) and the Republican challenger Talent is very close. Under Missouri law, if Talent wins, he will be seated immediately, giving the Republicans control over the Senate. Senator Daschle, as current Majority Leader, must determine before the elections whether to recess or adjourn with the possibility that a Lame Duck Session would take place with a Republican Majority Leader. A decision--and "exit strategy"--must be made before the Nov. 5 elections.

    There was lively discussion on all these matters. There was a prediction that Congress will probably act to avoid shutting down government, as occurred some years ago. Robin noted that it is possible that a Welfare Reform Reauthorization bill would pass, but not be funded due to lack of time. This would be a worst case scenario. Helen pointed out that, even if appropriations are made, Congress can rescind them. This has happened in the past with Department of Labor programs. Depending on future events and the economy, there may be tremendous competition for dollars. With all the possible scenarios, it is important that the players in this drama agree on what is essential, and what additionally is desirable. UREAP is on record as supporting the "must-have" items.

    After some discussion, the group directed UREAP staff to contact all UREAP participants and those in our networks, including participants in the Welfare Reform Reauthorization Round Table last March, and tell them of the importance of urging  Senators Daschle, Lott and the President to move forward with Welfare Reform Reauthorization. We will encourage emails and phone calls. Grassroots and professional activities are to be encouraged, too.

Salt Lake League of Women Voters studying Welfare Reform Reauthorization

    Pat Nielson explained that the SL LWV is studying Welfare Reform Reauthorization this month. Pat is urging the League to take a position of support for the UREAP principles, thereby joining UREAP. The League was a member of the original Utah Welfare Reform Coalition in 1996 and endorsed very similar principles of that organization. Pat hopes the Salt Lake League will vote to support UREAP and then take the matter to the State League for similar action.

Announcements

    Pat invited everyone to the First Congressional District Debate, sponsored by the League of Women Voters, 5-7 p.m., at the County Government Center. Pat will chair the event. A debate for the Second District will be held on the last Saturday in October.

    A Tribune article about our host, the Horizonte Instruction and Training Center, and its positive activities was passed around.

    The next UREAP meeting will be Tuesday, October 22, same time and place.