ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, November 21, 1996 TAG: 9611210070
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-10 EDITION: METRO
GOV. GEORGE ALLEN'S plan to speed up statewide implementation of Virginia's welfare-reform measures is not without merit. But the administration's early blush of success could turn to red-faced embarrassment if, in too hasty a rush to declare a political victory, it loses sight of certain realities.
That jobs for able-bodied welfare recipients are presumably available right now, given the state's relatively strong economy, is one reason to speed up welfare reform.
The first-year success of the initial phases of Virginia's welfare-reform program also augurs well for an accelerated timetable. While an 18 percent reduction in the number of Virginians receiving public assistance can't be attributed entirely to Allen's reform package, reports that Virginia's welfare rolls are shrinking faster than those in other states with similarly robust economies speaks well of the administration's efforts.
The results of the first year add up to good news for both those who at some point in their life must turn to public assistance and for Virginia taxpayers.
Recipients helped thus far to find jobs were able to earn nearly $3 million in the first year. This is an encouraging sign that they and others like them can get off welfare, which often demoralizes and traps its recipients more than it uplifts them. An estimated $24 million in savings already realized for Virginia taxpayers is also a spur for going statewide as soon as possible.
Make that as soon as is reasonable.
To wax too enthusiastic would be to forget this key reality: The easy part - implementing work requirements for welfare recipients in smaller, mostly rural jurisdictions - came first. The tougher challenge is reducing the larger welfare caseloads in Virginia's metropolitan areas, and particularly in central cities - is yet to come. Unfortunately, there's little evidence that the Allen administration has done the necessary planning, or made the necessary investments, to let welfare reform succeed in these areas.
More child-care programs, for instance, must become available to care of the kids of welfare recipients who will be forced to work. Better job-training programs will also be necessary if those being steered into jobs are to be able to hang on to them. Such programs are in woefully short supply - as also, in many places, are social workers able to give the necessary attention to the cases of welfare mothers forced to make the transition from public assistance to work.
The administration also seems to have no contingency plans. What happens to those can't find or keep jobs, however diligent the recipients' efforts and those of social workers? Can new welfare laws pass the test of compassion, as well as effectiveness, in the event a recession hits?
On the results so far, Allen's optimism about his welfare-reform program is understandable. But assuming his interest extends beyond his own gubernatorial term, he should work as hard on ensuring the durability of the reform as on accelerating its expansion.
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