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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 Wyoming's "New Opportunities and New Responsibilities" welfare demonstration project. This is the second waiver approved under President Clinton's "fast track" approval initiative. In addition, this is the second waiver application for Wyoming and the 66th state welfare demonstration granted under the Clinton Administration.
"When President Clinton initiated the fast track process, he gave states unprecedented flexibility to receive approval in 30 days for certain promising welfare reform efforts," said Secretary Shalala. "Wyoming follows the President's recent executive action by requiring teen parents to stay at home and in school."
The state will require minor, unmarried parents to reside in the household of a parent, legal guardian, or other adult relative, or in an adult-supervised living arrangement. Protective payments will be made to the responsible adult. In addition, teen parents will be required to attend full-time education classes. A penalty of $100 per month will be applied for failure to comply.
"Wyoming recognizes that young parents have a better chance to support their children if they live with a responsible adult and get the education they need to succeed," said Mary Jo Bane, assistant secretary for children and families. "Strengthening American families is a hallmark of the Clinton Administration, and we're pleased that Wyoming's proposal will help teen parents provide a strong and bright future for their children."
The demonstration is authorized through August 31, 1998.