William Jefferson Clinton
Poverty policy in the United States is a controversial issue that has grown only more complex when combined
with the problems of increasing social disintegration. While most Americans agree that poverty is a terrible
social problem, many have been reluctant to define it as a political problem that government should take
major responsibility for solving. However, with poverty programs straining at the seams in the 1990s and
with a struggling economy adding to the problem by placing more and more people into poverty, traditional
poverty policies seem to be breaking down. More and more individuals are now offering new proposals for
dealing with poverty by advocating broader social policies aimed at strengthening families, children,
and communities. Many now see welfare policy as an investment in society rather than as a controversial
handout for the poor.
Advocates of a new approach to poverty policy, such as that displayed by President Clinton in the following
speech excerpt, generally focus on broad policies of social renewal aimed at getting individuals back
into the work force and into the institutions of society. The welfare reform plan, the proposed "Work
and Responsibility Act" discussed by Clinton, would for the first time require recipients to work.
"I really believe that we have a chance finally to replace dependence with independence, welfare
with work." Discussion of poverty policy has been expanded to include the provision of such resources
as health and child care to families, as well as education and job training for those on welfare. What
social problems does Clinton point to as driving the welfare problem? How does he intend to combat these
problems? How have changes in the economy altered the nature of poverty in the United States? How do Clinton’s
proposals differ from those in the past? What groups does Clinton’s plan target? What does this tell us
about the nature of poverty in the United States? What obstacles do you see his proposal facing in the
years to come? How will federal welfare reform affect local government? |
