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Date: Wednesday, June 26, 1996 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Michael Kharfen (202)401-9215
HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today announced approval of the Family Responsibility Act (FRA), a statewide demonstration project for Florida. This is the third welfare waiver for Florida and the 64th state demonstration approved under the Clinton Administration.
"Governor Chiles is to be commended for another achievement in welfare reform," said Secretary Shalala. "By promoting parental responsibility, Florida is pursuing one of President Clinton's key principles for welfare reform."
Florida's Family Responsibility Act demonstration is designed to encourage personal responsibility and reduce dependence on the government. Under FRA, families receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) who have additional children conceived while on AFDC will be eligible for just half of the additional benefit for a first child and no additional AFDC benefits for subsequent children. The additional children will, however, be eligible for Medicaid, and the family's Food Stamp allotment will increase.
FRA also requires minor parents and minor dependent children to attend school. Failure to comply can result in the removal of the non-attending individual from the AFDC grant.
"The Clinton Administration's support of state flexibility is giving Florida new opportunity to end welfare as we know it," said Mary Jo Bane, assistant secretary for children and families.
The project will operate for five years and include a rigorous evaluation.