Iowa Senator Tom Harkin says he wants to move welfare reform ahead when the issue comes up for review again later this year in the Senate. Harkin, a democrat, is calling for a six point plan that begins with raising the percentage of welfare recipients required to work from 50 to 70-percent.He says the state should be provided more flexibility to create innovative welfare to work programs, and get credit for those programs. He says the government must help people who are getting off welfare become self-sufficient. Harkin says the programs supporting families need shoring up.He wants to expand the earned income tax credit, expand the childrens insurance program, and increase the minimum wage. Harkin also wants parents to take more responsibility for their kids.He says unemployed “deadbeat dads” should be employed so they can meet their obligations. He also wants the five-year limit on welfare benefits to continue. Harkin says now is the time to take welfare reform to the next level. He says the issue will come up in the Senate this summer for review.
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