THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 28, 1996 TAG: 9609270041
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: 54 lines
The first wave of federal welfare reform is hitting Virginia, and along with the swirl of predictable confusion come three tentative conclusions:
The initial impact may be less harsh than critics feared.
The future is as uncharted as the ocean depths.
Private charities and individuals had best be bracing to fill any void.
In a state that preceded the federal government in requiring work by welfare mothers, the early effect of the federal legislation has less to do with Aid to Families With Dependent Children than with two other programs.
First, starting this week, many legal immigrants will be ineligible for food stamps. And second, as of Oct. 1, the large pot of no-strings money distributed to states as Social Services block grants will be cut by 15 percent. In Virginia, that means $10.5 million less will be coming into the state for a variety of social programs.
State Social Services officials deserve praise for their initial response to the latter cuts. Instead of passing the reductions on to local agencies, which use the money for everything from soup kitchens to child protective services, Commissioner Clarence Carter and his staff are trying to absorb the loss.
In part they are looking to tap into other federal funding streams; in part they are working to reduce administrative overhead in Richmond.
That is the proper tack. But some well-placed observers are skeptical that such Band-Aids can permanently stop the bleeding, particularly when several big-ticket items are on the list of department needs. Difficult choices on making service cuts or increasing funding may await Gov. George Allen and lawmakers in the next session of the General Assembly.
The cuts in food stamps to legal immigrants have struck us as a bit mean-spirited. But there are hopeful signs that the real-life impact may be manageable, at least in Virginia. First, immediate application applies only to immigrants who are just signing up for food stamps. The eligibility of those already on the books can continue for up to 11 months.
Second, five categories of individuals - including refugees who have been in the country less than five years - are exempt from the cuts.
State officials are still trying to determine how many people will be affected. All anyone knows for sure is that the impact will be greatest in Northern Virginia. Downstate, charity workers and others say most immigrants wind up working quickly. Also, the requirement that immigrants must have sponsors helps insulate against financial woes.
The great experiment in turning from government to personal initiative and private charity to protect the poor is beginning. The hope is that the waves of reform will wash the poor into the mainstream, not batter them with drowning force.
Fortunately, after the first round of change, it appears most will still be afloat. by CNB