WHEREAS:

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is scheduled for congressional reauthorization by September 30, 2002 and the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is scheduled for reauthorization in 2003. Both programs impact our members who work for state and local governments and the clients we serve; and

WHEREAS:

WIA and TANF programs are under-funded to accomplish their missions and public administration of these programs is under attack; and

WHEREAS:

The Bush Administration and some congressional leaders are proposing to allow states to obtain expedited "super waivers" which could alter basic program administration and services without protecting core requirements and ensuring full public notice and opportunity to comment; and

WHEREAS:

Both TANF and WIA have been hamstrung by escalating "work first" requirements that limit education and training opportunities for welfare recipients and low-wage workers, and set unrealistic participation rates and hours of work requirements; and

WHEREAS:

Subsidized jobs programs have been significantly more successful than unpaid workfare in helping welfare recipients move into jobs with family-supporting wages; and

WHEREAS:

Labor standards and protections are critical for all participants in TANF and WIA programs. Incumbent workers who could be displaced by TANF and WIA participants are also at risk. TANF's protections against layoffs of incumbent workers and loss of unfilled vacancies due to workfare placements are insufficient; and

WHEREAS:

WIA programs are overly decentralized and lack strong oversight from the U.S. Department of Labor. Private, for-profit operators of one-stop job centers and other WIA programs "cream" the clients who are easiest to serve, while failing to offer comprehensive assistance to those most in need; and

WHEREAS:

TANF and WIA performance standards and goals do not emphasize economic self-sufficiency.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME supports increased TANF funding and sufficient WIA funding so that its services are universally available and fully funded; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME opposes any attempts to weaken public administration of TANF, Medicaid, Food Stamps, One-Stop Career Centers and the Employment Service/Unemployment Insurance systems be they through legislation, regulations or waivers; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME opposes legislative proposals that would increase work participation rates or hours of work requirements for welfare recipients and supports policies that integrate vocational education and training for clients in both the TANF and WIA systems; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME opposes time limits on welfare benefits and the linkage of welfare benefits to marriage; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME supports wage-paying transitional jobs as an alternative to workfare. AFSCME opposes any attempt to eliminate employment law protections, (including wage and hour, health and safety, and the right to form unions) for individuals in welfare-to-work programs, and seeks to strengthen these protections; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME is committed to strengthening the anti-displacement language in TANF to fully protect current workers and unfilled vacancies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will work for more federal oversight over WIA programs and will work to strengthen the public Employment Service's role as the "honest broker" for WIA services, and as the leader in operating one-stop centers; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME supports basing TANF and WIA program success on helping families achieve economic self-sufficiency through training and job placements that lead to stable jobs, living wages, good benefits, and career ladders; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will educate its members about the impact of corporate globalization and privatization and build coalitions of unions, community, welfare clients and immigrant rights organizations to defeat the attacks and advance a program of genuine welfare reform.

SUBMITTED BY:

Salvatore Luciano, Executive Director and Delegate
AFSCME Council 4
Connecticut

Steve Edwards, President and Delegate
Diane Stokes, Vice President and Delegate
Pete Anderson, Secretary
Mike Bernard, Treasurer
Lillie Jones, Executive Board Member and Delegate
Miguel Mora, Steward and Delegate
Mary Bennett, Executive Board Member
AFSCME Local 2858, Council 31
Illinois