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Committee on Ways and Means
Subcommittee on Human Resources

For Immediate Release
Contact: Press Office 202-225-8933
March 4, 2002

Legislators to Build on the Success of Welfare Reform

WASHINGTON - With caseloads cut nearly in half since 1996’s sweeping welfare reform, the President and Congress will take steps to ensure more Americans successfully transition from welfare to work.

Welfare caseloads have fallen by 9 million from a record high of 14 million recipients in 1994 to just 5 million people today.  The 1996 welfare reform law also lifted nearly 3 million children out of poverty according to U.S. Census data.  This week the Subcommittee on Human Resources will explore ways to continue this remarkable progress. 

Chairman Wally Herger (R-CA) said, “Welfare reform increased work and earnings, improved child well-being and reduced dependency.   It has been a tremendous success, and we intend to build on it.  As we reauthorize the law this year, we will take steps to help even more families on welfare better prepare for work and a lifetime of independence."

 For further information, http://waysandmeans.house.gov/humres/107cong/hr-11.htm