For Immediate Release:
January 23, 2017

Sen. Taylor’s statement on Governor Walker’s welfare reform

(MADISON) – Today, Governor Scott Walker unveiled a welfare reform package which requires able-bodied parents with school-aged children receiving FoodShare and housing benefits to work at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits. The proposal also includes investment in job and skills training. Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) offered the following statement:

“While I appreciate what he says about his reforms, the plan lacks details, but I’ll reserve judgement until I see the full proposal. If Governor Walker plans to provide access to job training and educational dollars like Democrats have always said we should, I’m still in. If Walker plans to reduce access to health care and funding for those who serve people in need like he’s done in the past, then I’m out.

“The more of the community-driven LOVE & FAITH initiative he incorporates into his plan, the greater the chances are that we can find common ground. If these reforms are going to be anything like the ‘reforms’ that led to Governor Walker being fined and sued by the federal government, then I ask again for his support of my LOVE & FAITH initiative, a much better solution.”

Walker’s “Wisconsin Works for Everyone” will be included in the Governor’s 2017-2019 budget proposal.