Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, December 15, 1994 TAG: 9412150067
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
Beyer, a Democrat who also has pushed for welfare reform, said he's concerned about the long-term day care needs of welfare recipients forced to start working. And, he said, a plan to give welfare recipients 30 days to find a job is too stringent.
"Thirty days is not long enough for welfare recipients to find jobs," said Beyer, noting that the Virginia Employment Commission estimates it takes an average of 11 weeks to find a job.
Paying for day care "is a huge problem, even for the middle class," he added.
According to early reports, Republican Gov. George Allen will propose making funding for long-term day care "contingent upon available resources."
Beyer added that the basic structure of his and Allen's reform plans are similar. Both call for abolishing welfare for most recipients within two years.
"I support many of the proposals" of Allen's commission, Beyer said.
Secretary of Health and Human Resources Kay Coles James said the aim of finding jobs in 30 days is a goal, not a requirement. Allen's Empowerment Commission, which she heads, also supports extended day care benefits, she said.
Allen and members of his Empowerment Commission are to make their welfare reform recommendations public today at a news conference in a Richmond public housing project.
by CNB