Statement by Edward J. McElroy
Secretary-Treasurer, American Federation of Teachers
Senate Misses Opportunity on Welfare Reform Bill

Washington, D.C. — By failing to allow votes on important amendments to increase the minimum wage, extend the federal unemployment insurance program and protect the right to overtime pay for extra work, the Republican-led Senate has once again turned its back on working families. Lifting families out of poverty is the central component of responsible welfare reform, and these amendments would help to achieve that goal. Last year, the Republican-led House of Representatives also chose to ignore this reality in passing a flawed welfare reform package.

To move people from welfare to work and out of poverty, Congress must strengthen existing programs beyond what has been proposed. It must also acknowledge the economic challenges that working Americans face every day. Responsible welfare reform would provide recipients with more than a paycheck. It would arm them with the knowledge and skills needed to get a good-paying job, achieve self-sufficiency and leave welfare permanently. The Senate should pass amendments that address these missing ingredients when it reconsiders the legislation.

President Bush and the Republican congressional leadership have a responsibility to produce a bill that lifts the prospects for those striving for a better way of life. American families deserve and expect no less.

# # # #

The AFT represents more than 1.3 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals and other school support employees, higher education faculty, nurses and other healthcare workers, and state and local government employees.