The welfare coalition - a diverse, state-wide group of human service providers and advocates, including Progressive Massachusetts just released this statement about the Welfare Reform bill reported out of House Ways and Means today, Friday, November 1.

Today, the House of Representatives released “An Act to Foster Economic Independence, their response to welfare reform initiated by the Senate in June.  Our diverse, state-wide coalition of human services and advocacy organizations is deeply disappointed in this bill.  It undermines access to the critical supports that serve as a lifeline for low-income families when they have nowhere else to turn.   While there are limited positive provisions in the bill, they are far outweighed by the negative.  In particular, the upfront job search before applicants can get any help, work requirements for thousands of disabled parents, and other restrictive provisions would impose onerous and unnecessary restrictions on those turning to TAFDC as their family’s last resort.  These provisions are counterproductive and will cost the commonwealth in the long run.

We will continue to work with elected officials to address the harm these provisions would cause and to support and defend the public systems that help low-income families attain financial stability and security.

ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORTERS