Introduced
by
To require welfare recipients who have not earned a high school diploma or GED, or who have reading proficiency at or below 8th grade levels, to enroll in one or more of the following if available: an English as a Second Language program; a fast track literacy program; a high school completion course; or GED preparation courses. Also, to set minimum requirements for applying other education/training activities towards welfare work requirements (such as community college courses), including at least 90 percent attendance and a 2.5 grade point average.
Referred to the Committee on Families and Childrens Services
Reported without amendment
With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
Substitute offered
To replace the previous version of the bill with one that does not revise the specific education and training requirements for welfare recipients, but does require that they sign a "family self-sufficiency plan" outlining their, explaining the contractual nature of assistance, and that the focus of the cash benefits is the goal of attaining self-sufficiency. Current law requires the execution of a "social contract" but does not emphasize a listing of responsibilities and the contractual nature of the plan. The substitute also requires the Department of Human Services to complete a thorough assessment of each recipient in creating the "self sufficiency plan" that includes consideration of referral to a life skills program, and a determination as to whether adult family members should be exempt from work requirements.
The substitute passed by voice vote
Passed in the House 64 to 39 (details)
To require welfare recipients to sign a "family self-sufficiency plan" outlining their responsibilities under work and training requirements, explaining the contractual nature of assistance, and that the focus of the cash benefits is the goal of attaining self-sufficiency. Current law requires the execution of a "social contract" but does not emphasize a listing of responsibilities and the contractual nature of the plan. Also, to require the Department of Human Services to complete a thorough assessment of each recipient in creating the "self sufficiency plan" that includes consideration of referral to a life skills program, and a determination as to whether adult family members should be exempt from work requirements.
Referred to the Committee of the Whole
Substitute offered
To replace the previous version of the bill with one that contains the results of negotiations between Republican and Democrat legislators on a welfare time limit proposal. See the Senate-passed version for details, and also House Bill 6587 and Senate Bills 1500 and 1501.
The substitute passed by voice vote
Passed in the Senate 35 to 1 (details)
To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.
Passed in the House 103 to 0 (details)
