‘Work, Not Welfare’ Becomes Law in Wisconsin

Gov. Tommy G. Thompson signed a reform bill Monday that would force welfare recipients to work, restrict them to two years of cash benefits and eventually eliminate Aid to Families With Dependent Children.

The “Work, Not Welfare” program was hailed by Thompson as the first of its kind in the nation. It would eliminate Aid to Families With Dependent Children--the state’s largest welfare program--by 1999.

“AFDC has been easy to get on, too easy to stay on and harmful,” the Republican governor said. “For so many, it’s been a trap. We’re going to change that.”

The law says a replacement for AFDC must be developed by 1996. Wisconsin would need federal approval to use $245 million in current federal welfare dollars for a replacement program. The federal government pays 60% of AFDC costs.

Another part of the plan requires all welfare recipients to find full-time work or register for a job training program within 30 days of signing up for assistance.

The money they earn will be deducted from their government checks.

If they can’t find work, they can be assigned jobs in the community by the government. After two years, cash benefits would end for adults. They would still receive food stamps and health care assistance.

This part of the program will be launched experimentally in January, 1995, affecting 1,000 welfare recipients in two counties. The Clinton Administration has waived federal rules governing AFDC payments so Wisconsin can begin those experiments.

The proposal to eliminate AFDC was offered in a Democratic amendment to a Thompson administration bill in October.

“His endorsement of this initiative will allow us to end an outdated and ineffective welfare system that encourages dependency and substitute it with a new program that encourages people to improve their lives,” said Democratic State Sen. Robert Jauch, the Senate minority leader.