FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, Sept. 6, 1995
Contact: Michael Kharfen (202) 401-9215
HHS APPROVES OHIO WELFARE DEMONSTRATION EXPANSION
HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today approved an expansion of Ohio's
welfare demonstration project, "Learning, Earning, and Parenting
Program" (LEAP). This is the second waiver demonstration approved
for Ohio under the Clinton administration.
"Preliminary results of a recent
study showed the growing success of Ohio's LEAP. This expansion builds
on its accomplishments by adding a new emphasis on work," said
Secretary Shalala. "Ohio's education, training and work activities
will equip young people to achieve self-sufficiency."
The modified LEAP demonstration program
will be operated statewide. Under LEAP, the state requires Aid to Families
with Dependent Children recipients who are either pregnant or parents
under the age of 20, to attend school or a program leading to a high
school diploma or equivalent. This modification allows LEAP participants
to meet this requirement through approved training or work activities,
if educational activities are not appropriate. Bonuses, originally included
in LEAP, now include a one-time $62 grade-completion bonus for each
subsequent grade (except grade 12) completed in high school or alternative
school. A one-time $200 bonus will be granted to those who graduate
from high school or obtain a GED. Fiscal sanctions will be imposed for
non compliance.
"LEAP emphasizes President Clinton's
principle that young people should stay in school, get an education
and enter the work force," said Mary Jo Bane, HHS assistant secretary
for children and families. "The demonstration encourages individual
initiative, rewards performance and provides incentives to young people
to ensure that welfare will not be their way of life."
The waiver will be in effect for six
and one-half years and will include a rigorous evaluation.
###
Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials
are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.
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