Task Force fights punitive welfare measures
The Chapter's Task Force on Welfare Reform has been working against the clock at both the Federal and State levels. In Washington, the House of Representatives passed HR 4, a punitive anti-poor, anti-women, anti-children bill which would end AFDC as an entitlement, among many other horrible provisions. While the bill is likely to be before the Senate as this issue of Currents is delivered, President Clinton has challenged the Congress to produce a final bill he can sign by the 4th of July.
Chapter members are urged to write and/or call the offices of Senators D'Amato (212-947-7390; 202-224-6542) and Moynihan (212-661-5150; 202-224-4451) to express opposition to the House bill. The Chapter Task Force has organized a "telephone tree" to flood our Senators' offices with these calls. If the timing is appropriate, members are urged to call the office to join the "tree".
The Chapter has written to the Senators expressing our grave concerns. Because so much information needs to be provided, even to our membership, the Task Force created a Speakers' Bureau to make presentations wherever these could be helpful. Following training by Dr. Mimi Abramovitz of the Hunter College School of Social Work, presentations have been made to a number of groups throughout the City, including day care centers, welfare advocacy groups, hospital staffs and a congressional town meeting.
Sarah Greenblatt, Third Vice President of the Chapter, has appeared on a national Talk News Television show, hosted by Ernie Anastos, in which she debated openly the supporters of the H.R. 4 provisions. Dr. Abramovitz has argued the case against the bill on WABC-TV news and on numerous radio programs.
Speakers' Bureau members who have made presentations to date include Dr. Abramovitz, Diane Borko, Pat Brownell, Heidi Lieberman, David Roth and Jerry Shroder.
In Albany, the proposed cutbacks to AFDC, Home Relief and SSI are contained in the Budget bills approved by the State Senate, and awaiting action in the Assembly as this is written. If the Budget is not in place by Currents delivery time, you are urged to write to Governor Pataki and Legislative leadership, but most particularly your own Assemblyperson to let him or her know how you feel about the proposed 25% cutback in Home Relief grants and the punitive time limits placed on recipients of this program.
Even at the City level, it's necessary to fight this issue. The Mayor's Budget will have been submitted in late April. It is anticipated that all the proposed cuts which have appeared in the media will be incorporated in his proposals. Be certain to let the Mayor, Council President Vallone, Council Finance Chairman Herbert Berman and your own Council person know how you feel. (If you don't know your City Councilperson, call the League of Women Voters, 212-677-5050.)
The Task Force on Welfare Reform is prepared to work on this as long as the issue is with us. Chapter members can still request presentations on the subject. Please call the Chapter office, (212) 668-0050 with your request.