U.S. Senate Republican Policy Committee - Larry E. Craig, Chairman - Jade West, Staff Director
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August 1, 2002

Republicans Are The Party of Compassion

How Welfare Reform Helped Cindy From Colorado

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.

Cindy was living with her parents for 12 years while raising two children. She was enrolled in the Aid to Families with Dependant Children (AFDC) program until the program was replaced by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Cindy lacked the skills to provide for her two children, ages 12 and 13.

While on TANF, Cindy was interviewed and accepted as a student in a Computers-to-Careers program. She began classes in April 1998 and finished in December. Cindy became proficient in many computer software applications, including Microsoft Access, Excel and Power Point. Upon completing the program, Cindy applied to a temporary work agency and found employment at $12.00/hour. She held three positions for the temporary employment agency and then sought the help of an employment service. Cindy was hired on a temporary basis by Fujitsu Network Communications in January of 2000 and became a permanent employee in July. She has remained in this position and has seen her salary increase to $18.75/hour. Cindy is now training other employees to use some of the computer programs.

With meaningful employment secured, Cindy was able to move out of her parents' apartment and into her own place. She even bought a car and furnished her new apartment. Cindy's success has given her a great sense of pride and fulfillment.

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 Tancredo (R-CO).

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

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