Welfare reform debated at Center City forum

People from all walks of life crammed into a Center City auditorium Thursday to hear a panel discussion about the impact of welfare reform on women, children and families. "My life is part of the struggle for justice in America," Temple University professor Alma Quigley said. "A 40-year struggle against white male domination in a patriarchal system. We ain't goin' back." The panel members were introduced by Connie Smith, a self-proclaimed success story. Although she is currently a social worker with a degree from Temple University, she is also a former welfare recipient. Quigley, one of the panelists, vehemently expressed opposition to restricting payments and services to unemployed people. Most people on the panel spoke out against the welfare "restrictions" that the Personal Responsibility Act, being proposed in Congress, would mandate. These child exclusion laws, called "family caps," would prevent children born to unwed teens from receiving benefits until the parent reaches age 18. And entire families would be excluded from welfare benefits if they contained any adult who received welfare for a total of 60 months. Quigley feels welfare reform is critical, but she feels that assistance programs for women and children must be increased rather than cut back. Quigley's speech concluded with a parody of the Wendy's "Where's the Beef?" slogan. "Where are the jobs?" she asked. "Where are the jobs? Show us some jobs!" Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes, whose district includes the University, was also present to discuss what he views as faults in the proposed reforms. While the proposals threaten cuts in juvenile probation, the construction of three new prisons has been promised. And although corporate tax cuts are proposed, there are no new plans for summer youth jobs, he said. Hughes also expressed concern that women's medical service funding will be directed towards "life-line," a program known to deter women from having abortions through what he considers "harassment." Another issue discussed was the necessity of welfare recipients to votes for candidates who support welfare rights. "Everyone must register to vote, get others to vote and stop sitting on your hands," Hughes said. "You are the fundamental part of this."