In 1979 I proposed a welfare reform package which offers solutions to some
of the most urgent problems in our welfare system. This proposal is
embodied in two bills, The Work and Training Opportunities Act and The
Social Welfare Reform Amendments Act. The House passed the second of these
two proposals. Within the framework of our present welfare system, my
reform proposals offer achievable means to increase self-sufficiency
through work rather than welfare, more adequate assistance to people unable
to work, the removal of inequities in coverage under current programs, and
fiscal relief needed by States and localities.
Our current welfare system is long overdue for serious reform; the system
is wasteful and not fully effective. The legislation I have proposed will
help eliminate inequities by establishing a national minimum benefit, and
by directly relating benefit levels to the poverty threshold. It will
reduce program complexity, which leads to inefficiency and waste, by
simplifying and coordinating administration among different programs.
I urge the Congress to take action in this area along the lines I have
recommended.