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Senate Debates Welfare Reform Bill; Education‑time and Health‑benefit Amendments Fail
Summary
Substitute House Bill 269 (welfare/TANF changes) drew extended floor debate on limits for education and training, an unsuccessful 6‑month education‑extension amendment and measures on income and health‑benefit exceptions; the bill advanced to third reading (24 ayes, 3 nays, 2 absent).
Substitute House Bill 269, a comprehensive welfare reform measure tied to federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) rules, dominated the Senate floor on Feb. 28, 1997. Sponsor Senator Tanner described the bill as the second element of welfare reform, aligning state policy with federal changes and setting time limits, workforce services requirements and exceptions.
Key provisions and debate points - Time limits: The bill limits certain education and training participation to 24 months (enrolled time), while broad lifetime benefits limits can extend to federal maximums (federal law allows up to 60 months). The sponsor and committee language include…
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