Students wary of welfare plan

University students may soon receive an e-mail announcing the March 3 welfare amendment that will cut off thousands of women and children who rely on state aid to sustain their homes. A group of graduate students from the School of Social Work plan to send that e-mail after meeting Wednesday to discuss the implications of the new welfare bill. The group, according to second-year Social Work student Emily Nelson, hopes to begin by "focusing on the immediate community" and then "expanding their field of vision to support other people's efforts [in the community] on a broader spectrum." According to the newest welfare program, adopted on March 3, 1997, recipients may obtain aid for a lifetime maximum of 60 months and must, after two years, find part-time employment. On March 3 of this year, the first wave of approximately 20,000 welfare recipients will have to seek out employment, while only 5,000 positions are currently available. Though the unemployed will continue to receive medical care and food stamps, they will be disallowed cash assistance. Welfare officials have promised emergency coverage for a maximum of 20 percent of recipients who remain unemployed after March 3. Some of the students pointed out that not enough people are aware of the specifics of the law. "The finger is pointed towards the public for being unaware of welfare reform when trained professionals don't know the law," Nelson said. Although the federal government determines the annual funding allowed for welfare, state officials decide how to spend the money. Pennsylvania has adopted a "highly conservative policy," according to Nelson, stressing that the current policy allows for a 12-month period -- instead of a more-lenient 24 -- for welfare recipients to obtain an education. Penn students voiced growing concern that the approaching welfare cut will leave thousands of individuals without suitable funding to support their children, families and homes. Second-year Social Work student Sarah Leibowitz noted a similar welfare policy adopted in Massachusetts which has resulted in a doubled homeless population. As March 3 approaches, the students will attempt to attract campus support and involvement in a community-wide effort against the abridgment of welfare aid. Coordinators of the initial meeting hope to initiate a petition against the welfare reform by mobilizing interested faculty, staff and students throughout the campus. The students have also begun to plan a March 2 forum, which would invite members from welfare support agencies and experts who might better inform students about current welfare policies and the potential drawbacks they may bear.