Publications	Issue List	Vote Analysis	Main Page
July 10, 2002

Republicans Are The Party of Compassion

How Welfare Reform Helped Sandy 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.

Upon being released from the Department of Corrections after serving seven years, Sandy relocated to Winnebago County, Illinois in late 2001, and applied for assistance under the TANF (Temporary Aid for Needy Families) federal welfare program. Sandy applied for cash assistance, medical subsidies, and Food Stamps for herself and her three-year-old son. During her initial interview with TANF staff, Sandy mentioned that she had earned a certificate in Business Management while incarcerated and needed only 25 more credits to earn her Associate's degree.

Sandy's mother provided her child care and transportation, so TANF staff concentrated on helping her find employment. They helped Sandy craft her resume and enumerate her academic accomplishments. A TANF employment specialist immediately began making contacts for jobs in the local area and two interviews were arranged for Sandy. The TANF staff conducted mock interviews with Sandy to help her build her confidence and develop a positive attitude. Sandy completed her interviews and was hired by a local Walgreen's store at a salary of $7.10 per hour full-time. Shortly thereafter, Sandy was able to move her family into an apartment. Sandy has already received her first raise and intends to complete her Associate's degree at night.

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 a hyperlink in the electronic version of this RPC paper.]

Top

Publications

Issue List

Vote Analysis

Main Page