A Prescription for Change? : Democrats could make a positive difference in the welfare debate

Central to the California debate on welfare reform is the fate of poor children. Through no fault of their own, thousands of youngsters will have to make do with less if deep cuts in benefits and other restrictions proposed in a ballot initiative by Gov. Pete Wilson are approved by the voters in November.

The Democratic majority in the Legislature can limit the possible hardship by proposing serious reform legislation that improves the welfare system without bankrupting the state.

A legislative package sponsored by Assemblyman Tom Bates (D-Oakland) just might do it. While certainly partisan, it leaves room for compromise. Although most Assembly Democrats insist on no cuts in benefits--the keystone of the governor’s effort to reduce increased spending on welfare--there is common ground in Bates’ proposal.

Most Assembly Democrats agree with the governor’s plan to restrict benefits for non-residents and to target for special attention teen-age mothers, who are most likely to be on welfare for years.

Like the governor, Bates would reward teen-agers who attend school with a $50 increase in monthly benefits. Teen-age parents who did not go to school would lose $50 each month. The Democrats would also set up a system to help teen-age parents arrange child care and transportation and overcome other obstacles.

The Democrats also want to increase funding for the state “workfare” program so more recipients can participate in the classes and job training that should lead to employment. At least a third of the requested $61 million for the Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) program would target teen-agers, a worthy proposal.

The Democratic proposals would save some money by beefing up welfare fraud prevention, consolidating the welfare and food stamp eligibility process and toughening child support laws.

The big question is how much all this will cost? Saving money is certainly important, but not to the point of deeply hurting poor children. That’s why Wilson and the Democrats must try to find a welfare compromise.