Volume 1.1 - Election Issues - Fall 1996

Title: Welfare Reform and the Implications for Illinois: CPR Interview with Robert Wright

Author: An Interview with Robert Wright

Abstract: On September 4, 1996, Co-Editor-in-Chief Doug Lauen spoke with Robert Wright, Director of the Illinois' Department of Public Aid (DPA), on the subject of welfare reform. The federal welfare legislation was passed by Congress this summer and signed into law by President Clinton on August 22, 1996. Under the provisions of the law, no family may claim an entitlement to receive welfare assistance as of October 1, 1996. States are required to submit their plans by July 1, 1997. The block grant funding system also takes effect on that date. While it is clear that academic experts, practitioners, and pundits may only speculate as to the long-term results of implementing the welfare bill, the following excerpts from this interview provides insight into federal provisions and Illinois' approach to planning and implementation.

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