Urge the Senate to Support Equitable Welfare Reform

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Welfare provides temporary assistance to poverty stricken families so they can become self sufficient. Once the government decides to offer welfare, it must be given a manner that is equitable and fair to all. Unfortunately, our current system discriminates against single parents and minorities, and many families are forced out of the system or do not receive benefits for which they are eligible. Furthermore, several Members of Congress use the welfare system to promote abstinence-only education and require invasive drug tests.

An effective federal welfare system should respect the rights guaranteed to all people by the Constitution. Adequate safeguards must be put in place to guarantee equal protection, freedom of religion, privacy rights and basic fairness in the administration of welfare programs. Congress should ensure that welfare helps needy families in a just and equitable manner.

The full Senate is expected to vote on legislation for the federal welfare reform program in the coming weeks. The House version includes several dangerous provisions, including one that requires states to conduct drug tests of parents who receive federal welfare.

If there is any chance of improving the welfare system, your Senators must hear from you now.

Take Action: http://www.aclu.org/PoorRights/PoorRights.cfm?ID=17861&c=35

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