MADISON Wisconsin took itself out of the nation's welfare systemThursday with the signing of a law making it the first state torequire work or job training in exchange for aid to families.
"Today is Independence Day for families on welfare," said Gov.Tommy Thompson, who signed the bill at Brenner Tank, a Fond du Lacbusiness that has hired welfare mothers and fathers.
"We are lifting the gate that trapped generations of families ina well of despair and dependency," said Thompson, chairman of theNational Governors' Association and a welfare reform advocate.The new program - called Wisconsin Works, or W-2 - would replaceAid to Families With Dependent Children. Passed by the Legislaturelast month, the law is to take effect statewide by fall, 1997,assuming Congress approves use of AFDC money for the program.After two consecutive years, or a lifetime total of five years,W-2 participants are dropped from the program.Counties and private agencies would work with the welfaremothers to match them to jobs.
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