BY PAUL BARTON
Enquirer Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON -- Ohio Gov. George Voinovich claimed Tuesday the reduction in welfare rolls since landmark 1996 reforms has exceeded expectations but acknowledged a booming economy has aided in the effort.
"These historic reforms are making a difference in the lives of millions of people," Mr. Voinovich said during a press conference at the National Press Club.
He added that by giving people a new sense of independence, "there is something spiritual, in my opinion, about reform."
Mr. Voinovich, the outgoing chairman of the National Governors' Association, and Democratic Gov. Thomas R. Carper of Delaware, who will take over the chairmanship next week, reviewed two years of state efforts.
Congress abolished the Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program in 1996 and decided to send block grants back to the states and let them design their own welfare programs.
An analyst for a prominent liberal think tank, meanwhile, said it is far too early to proclaim welfare reform a success, saying too many Americans still fall between the cracks by being unable to support themselves and or obtain government assistance.
"We don't have great data," Sharon Parrott, policy analyst with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, said of what happens to those who leave welfare rolls.
The two governors, however, bubbled over with statistics about how welfare rolls had dropped, including a 27 percent decrease nationally since 1996. In Ohio, Mr. Voinovich said, the drop is 32 percent.
Mr. Voinovich also acknowledged the booming economy has helped in placing welfare workers in jobs.
"Without the fine economy, these numbers wouldn't be as good as they are today," Mr. Voinovich said.
A key question is what happens to those who leave the welfare rolls.
Ms. Parrott said just because recipients are leaving welfare rolls doesn't mean they are leaving poverty behind.
"I think it is the wrong yardstick to measure success," she said of the 27 percent figure.
But the two governors said early studies and surveys indicate many of those who leave welfare rolls are doing well.
Studies in nine states have found from 50 percent to 60 percent of recipients who leave welfare find jobs -- paying between $5.50 and $7 an hour.
Another 32 states are planning studies or have them under way. Welfare reform efforts are being broaden to provide support for the working poor, such as through child care and transportation services, the governors added.
But Ms. Parrott said several states have found that some recipients were being pushed off the rolls wrongly and were not having a success with finding work.
She said there is a "substantial number of parents who left welfare who haven't found a job."
Said Mr. Carper: "We don't want to suggest the problem is over."
