U.S. Senate Republican Policy Committee - Larry E. Craig, Chairman - Jade West, Staff Director
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July 31, 2002

Republicans Are The Party of Compassion

How Welfare Reform Helped Marsha From Illinois

In 1996, Republicans reformed welfare and lifted millions of Americans out of poverty. Even more compelling than the statistics, however, are the stories of the individual Americans whose lives were turned around by Republican welfare reforms.

Marsha was enrolled in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program when she relocated to Winnebago County, IL, to escape domestic violence. During her initial interview with TANF staff after her move, Marsha was referred to the Domestic Violence program, where the staff helped move her and her four children into a temporary shelter. Marsha also suffered from a substance abuse problem, and the TANF staff arranged for Marsha to receive treatment. The TANF staff also helped enroll her children in school.

Once Marsha's stay at the temporary shelter ended, she linked up with the county housing program. Marsha continued to meet with her primary counselors and TANF staff every two weeks to determine if she or the children had any further needs. The TANF staff decided that Marsha's substance abuse issues necessitated that she move into a long-term residential program.

Upon settling into her new residence, Marsha enrolled in a janitorial vocational program for job training. After completing the program, Marsha was able to obtain a job at a local floor-cleaning business. Marsha continues to receive vocational assistance and services from TANF staff to sustain her employment. Marsha is proud of her accomplishments and is looking forward to moving into her own residence very soon.

For 30 years, Democrats fought a losing War on Poverty. Thanks to a Republican Congress, America is finally winning that war.


Adapted from information provided by the office of Representative Manzullo (R-IL)

[The underlined text indicates hyperlinks in the electronic version of this RPC paper.]

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