Competition determines which programs government funds
Government should energize private action, not control it, by identifying what works and helping to bring good ideas to scale. Resources should be devolved, not just to the states, but to charities and neighborhood healers- including religious
ones. Organizations receiving resources should not be forced to compromise their core values and spiritual mission. Participation in faith-based programs should be truly voluntary, and secular alternatives should exist for beneficiaries.
Source: Press Release, “Welfare Reform”
Jun 27, 2000
Use financial incentives for social needs via private sector
Bush does not, for the most part, want the federal government to provide or administer services directly; he wants the tax code and other financial incentives to make it easier for low-income Americans to use the private sector to
meet their needs. Bush last week advocated several forms of assistance to help low-income Americans buy their own houses. He said today that while those housing initiatives addressed demand, today’s rounded out the picture by addressing supply.
Source: Frank Bruni, NY Times, part of “Renewing America’s Purpose”
Apr 19, 2000
‘Armies of compassion’ are next step of welfare reform
Government can spend money, but it can’t put a sense of purpose in our lives. This is done by churches & synagogues & mosques & charities. [We should] rally these armies of compassion. As president, I will lift the regulations that hamper them. I will
involve them in after-school programs, drug treatment, prison ministries. I will lay out specific incentives to encourage an outpouring of giving. Supporting these soldiers in the army of compassion is the next, bold step of welfare reform.
Source: Candidacy Announcement speech, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Jun 12, 1999
Invigorate “a Civil Society” to protect vulnerable citizens
Bush said government must be alert to the “danger that lurks” for some workers from an economy in transition and should care for society’s most vulnerable citizens. But he would not use government to solve all these problems. Instead he said he would try
to invigorate “a civil society” by encouraging churches and charities - ‘little armies of compassion’ - to help combat persistent social problems, such as drug abuse, teenage pregnancy or welfare dependency.
Source: Dan Balz, The Washington Post
Apr 25, 1999
More assistance for transition off welfare
Those who remain on welfare [need] this clear message: If you are able to work or train, you must work or train. And if you refuse to help yourself, then Texas cannot help you. For those who are working to win their independence, the state can do more
to help. I propose increased child care funding for low-income mothers; transition benefits to help those moving from welfare to work and second chance homes to help unwed teenage moms nurture their children in a safe and structured environment.
Source: 1999 State of the State Address, Austin TX
Jan 27, 1999
Help people become independent of welfare.
The 1997 [Texas] Legislature supported my initiatives to allow churches, synagogues, and other faith-based organizations to continue addressing our worst social problems, free from unreasonable government interference.
Source: www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/faq_index.html 12/31/98
Dec 31, 1998
Limit benefits and require work
We put time limits on benefits, required work and education.. We’ll give you a hand, but you owe something in return for taxpayers’ help. We should require unmarried teen mothers to live with their parents or in a group home to qualify for taxpayer
assistance. We should not give additional cash benefits for having more children while on welfare. We must enforce sanctions against able-bodied welfare recipients who refuse to work or even look for work.
Source: 1997 State of the State Address, Austin TX
Jan 28, 1997
Click here for 28 main quotations from George W. Bush on Welfare & Poverty.
Click here for definitions & background information on Welfare & Poverty.
Click here for policy papers on Welfare & Poverty.
