Clinton Must Hold Firm

President Clinton has warned the GOP not to cram the mammoth and complicated welfare overhaul into a budget bill that would be “fast-tracked” at the expense of amendments or full debate. In this battle, the President is right.

The Personal Responsibility Act, as passed by the House, is too harsh on children. It should not be shoved down the throats of the poor, many of whom would lose substantial parts or even all of their benefits; sadly, the young would suffer the most. The bill should become a foundation for an overhaul intended to end welfare dependence without endangering poor children.

The White House plan would require work, set a time limit for receiving benefits, strengthen child support enforcement and provide job training and other support to help poor parents make the transition from welfare to work.

The President doesn’t reject all of the Personal Responsibility Act. He recognizes that some of it is good.

While governor of Arkansas, Clinton crafted welfare reform that helped poor parents make the necessary transition. To do that, he needed flexibility from Washington. Now, as President, he favors greater federal flexibility for states without giving up all standards or denying help to all who are eligible.

Clinton insists on a stronger work requirement. Throughout his presidency he has preached the value of work to organize a life and provide for a family. Along with work he advocates job creation, a reduction in the unemployment rate and a push to raise the minimum wage. He argues, persuasively, that people who work should be paid a livable wage. A decent wage would encourage more of the poor to work.

President Clinton has set a July 4 deadline for welfare reform. Republicans and Democrats agree on the need to make welfare a temporary form of assistance, not a way of life. The White House and Congress should find common ground, but Clinton should hold firm to welfare-reform principles proven to work.