JOBS, EDUCATION AND THE WORKFORCE

WELFARE-TO-WORK

WHEREAS, The U.S. Conference of Mayors strongly supported the creation of the Welfare-to-Work program because of concern that the enacted welfare reforms would not adequately support the achievement of the employment goals driving welfare reform; and

WHEREAS, a majority of states applied for FY 98 formula funding and many more are in the process of applying; and

WHEREAS, organizations in collaboration with cities across the country have focused on the competitive grants -- the remaining 25 percent of Welfare-to-Work funding -- evidenced by over 600 applications the U.S. Department of Labor Department received for the first of four rounds of competition; and

WHEREAS, the Welfare-to-Work program was created as compliment -- a necessary one -- to the TANF program, using highly targeted funds to help localities move long-term recipients with multiple barriers into work; and

WHEREAS, the need for targeted funds is even more pronounced as caseloads drop, with cities registering a much slower rate of decline, leaving many cities with disproportionate share of hard-to-place recipients; and

WHEREAS, employers have expressed concern over the lack of available skilled workers, with many studies focusing on the deficiency in skills of long-term welfare recipients, a U.S. Conference of Mayors study found that nine of 10 cities surveyed did not have enough low-skilled jobs place recipients in work activities; and

WHEREAS, the Welfare-to-Work program was enacted in August, 1997, with an effective date of October 1, 1997 -- states have until June 30, 1998 to apply for FY 98 funds -- with five years to expend funds, this program is in its initial stages,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors opposes any efforts to weaken the Welfare-to-Work program by diverting unused funds, reducing agreed-upon funding levels; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors urges the reinvestment of any unused funds into the program.