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Committee on Ways and Means For Immediate Release HHS Releases Latest Study Work -- Not Education -- Is Key to Success WASHINGTON - The non-partisan Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation (MDRC), under contract with the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Education, released a new report from its comprehensive study of 11 welfare-to-work programs. The report, “Moving People from Welfare to Work: Lessons from the National Evaluation of Welfare-to-Work Strategies (NEWWS),” provides rigorously evaluated evidence in support of the successful “work first” features of the 1996 reforms, which are strengthened through the House-passed welfare reauthorization bill (H.R. 4737). In contrast, the welfare bill proposed by the Senate Finance Committee promotes more long-term education and less work, which, according to the report, has led to lower earnings, greater dependence on welfare, and higher costs. Key Findings of the Report Long-term education did not yield higher earnings or better jobs. “Relative to the LFA [Labor Force Attachment, known as “work first”] approach, the HCD [Human Capital Development, known as “education focused”] approach did not produce more earnings growth or increase the likelihood of employment in good jobs.” (Page 32) Recipients in long-term education stayed on welfare longer. “The
LFA approach moved people into jobs and off welfare more quickly than did
the HCD approach - a clear advantage in an era of time limits on welfare
receipt.” (Page 32) In addition to other benefits, work produced savings for taxpayers. “The LFA approach was much cheaper to operate than the HCD approach.” (Page 32) The report is available online at the Department website. Click here to view.
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