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Date: Wednesday, June 26, 1996 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Michael Kharfen (202)401-9215
HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today approved amendments to the "To Strengthen Michigan Families" demonstration project. This is the second welfare waiver for Michigan and the 67th state demonstration approved under the Clinton Administration.
"Michigan's proposal, like President Clinton's executive action on minor parents, requires young parents to stay at home and in school," said Secretary Shalala. "Statistics show that these two requirements can help these parents become better providers for their children."
The state will require minor parents to live with their parents, relatives, or legal guardian, or in an adult-supervised living arrangement, as a condition of eligibility for Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). Minor parents will receive assistance from the state to find an appropriate adult-supervised household, if necessary. Minor parents also will be required to attend school. Failure to comply will result in denial of AFDC benefits for the minor parent and her children. Under both provisions, parents and children who lose cash benefits will retain Medicaid coverage.
"As President Clinton says, the responsibility for supporting children rests with parents, not with taxpayers," said Mary Jo Bane, assistant secretary for children and families. "This demonstration will help young Michigan parents to insure a successful future for their children."
The demonstration will operate for three years.