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SUBCOMMITTEES: Privacy, Copyright, and Permission to Link Statement |
Committee on Ways and Means For Immediate Release 3 Million Children Lifted from Poverty Since 1996 WASHINGTON -- Nearly 3 million children - according to U.S. Census data - have been lifted from poverty since the landmark 1996 welfare reform law. "Five years ago, critics predicted that one million children would fall into poverty as a result of changes to the welfare system. They were wrong. Nearly 3 million children have risen from poverty, and the poverty rate for African American children is at an historic low," said Chairman Wally Herger, Subcommittee on Human Resources. "Welfare reform has provided hope and opportunity for those once trapped in a cycle of dependency, and we intend to build upon its success," Chairman Herger added. This year, the Subcommittee on Human Resources will craft legislation to reauthorize the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) provisions at the heart of welfare reform. |