Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 6 June 2002 — Page 34

The Muncie Times, June 6, 2002, page 34

Jackson votes “no” on TANF reauthorization

Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., today, voted “No” onH.R. 4735, the reauthorization of the welfare-to-work bill, otherwise known as thelemporary Assistance to Needy Families Act (TANF). Rep. Jackson said, “Objectively, we know three things about welfare: (1) that the welfare caseloads have fallen, from 14 million to 5 million; (2) that in some states, like Maryland, most adults going off welfare have obtained jobs and kept them; and (3) most of these families are still poor. Republicans seem to think the real goal is to remove people from the welfare rolls, instead of to remove people from poverty. If Republicans were serious about putting people to work they would overwhelmingly

support H. J. Res. 28, the Full Employment and Balanced Growth Amendment, adding a new amendment to the Constitution giving people a ‘right’ to work. “Welfare reform passed in 1996 under the guise of 'ending welfare as we know if in the context of a robust economy, a rising stock market, and low unemployment. Today’s bill is being passed in the context of a slow growth economy, rising unemployment (6%), an unsteady stock market, and new spending to combat terrorism. The 2002 Republican socalled reform version has expanded punitive new 40-hour a week work requirements, while making it tougher for recipients to get the education they need

to pull their families out of poverty. Both Republican and Democratic governors argued that this requirement is unworkable without a huge new investment in day care and other services, which the Republican bill lacks. Independent experts argue that at least $11 billion will be needed to take care of the children of mothers affected by this law. It appears that President Bush believes his compassionate conservatism’ and his commitment to 'leave no child behind’ can be accomplished without adequate funding. “In this bill, Republicans show a greater commitment to 'states’ rights’ than to assisting children or helping women move from welfare-to-work and out of poverty. H.R. 4735 applies a

'super waiver,’ which enables some states to ignore federal requirements involving food stamps, housing, job training, and education programs, and to spend the money in ways it prefers. In the name of flexibility, this law will allow states to cut back on serving the most desperately needy people in their state and fund more politically popular programs. “This vote is about Republicans posturing, maneuvering, and strategizing over who can look the toughest on welfare. It does not reflect a respect for the dignity of the poor. Anyone who voted for this bill should be ashamed of themselves,” Jackson concluded.

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CREDIT UNION EXPANDS FIELD OF MEMBERSHIP

The Board fo Directors of the Muncie Federal Credit Union has added to its field of membership anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in the Investment area of Center Township. Anyone interested in joining should stop by at 5400 N. Wheeling or call 284-7667.

Board members are F.H. Arthur, President, Don Holderman, Vice President Dr. Frank Martin, Treasurer Sarah Humphrey, Secretary Other Board Members are Lois Johnson Dr Sam Abram Paul McDaniel Vernon Reese David Paluch