Move more welfare recipients off the welfare rolls
In 1996, the Republican Congress made history by passing welfare reform. The federal government gave states the flexibility to manage the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, and both states and federal authorities began treating welfare as a
step up rather than a way of life.
We need to build on the results of the 1996 reforms and continue to move welfare recipients into jobs and off the welfare rolls. This is especially important for single women and mothers, who continue to rely on
welfare and fear that they cannot find a job or enter a training program because they need to care for their children. We endorse President Bush's plan to extend the benefits of welfare reform by strengthening work requirements and promoting healthy
marriages, and offering training, transportation, and child care services to help people become self-sufficient. Every American deserves a chance to know the pride of earning a paycheck and providing for his or her family.
Faith-based welfare grants equal with secular groups
We applaud President Bush's efforts to promote the generous and compassionate work of America's faith-based and neighborhood charities. The President established the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to coordinate federal, state, and local
efforts to tear down barriers that have prevented religiously affiliated groups from applying for government grants on an equal footing with secular organizations. While the federal government must not promote religious activity, or fund any organization
that discriminates on the basis of religion when providing taxpayer-funded services, no organization should be disqualified from receiving federal funds simply because it displays religious symbols, has a statement of faith in its mission statement, or
has a religious leader on its board. The federal government is ending discrimination against faith-based organizations and now welcomes these groups as partners and allies in the effort to deliver social services to people in need.
Reward work with tax reform that takes 6 million families off the tax rolls, cuts rate for those on the rolls, and doubles the child tax credit to $1,000.
Implement the “American Dream Down Payment” program, which will allow a half million
families who currently draw federal rental assistance to become homeowners.
Increase the supply of affordable housing by establishing the Renewing the Dream tax credit.
Build savings and personal wealth through Individual Development Accounts.
Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention
Aug 12, 2000
Faith-based charities should help end child poverty
The participation of faith-based and community groups will be especially important in dealing with the twin problems of non-marital pregnancy and substance abuse. Reducing those behaviors is the surest way to end the cycle
of child poverty. After-school programs should be fully open to the community and faith-based groups that know best how to reach out to our children and help them reach their true potential.
Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention
Aug 12, 2000
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