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1993.09.07 :  Wyoming Welfare Demonstration Project for AFDC Recipients

Contact:  David Siegel (202) 401-9215
September 7, 1993

     HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala has approved a major welfare
demonstration submitted by the state of Wyoming that will
encourage recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent Children
to enroll in school, undertake a training program or enter the
workforce.
     "Wyoming's demonstration has a number of elements which are
in keeping with President Clinton's commitment to promoting
independence and responsibility for families who receive welfare
benefits.  We look forward to working with the state to see that
the demonstration is implemented in an effective manner," 
Secretary Shalala said.
     Under the demonstration, Wyoming's AFDC program will be
modified in four major areas:

     o  Working AFDC families will be allowed to accumulate
$2,500 in assets.  The current asset ceiling of $1,000 per family
will be increased in those cases where an AFDC parent is
employed.
     o  Unemployed, non-custodial parents of AFDC children who
are not paying child support and who have been ordered into
Wyoming's JOBS program by the courts, will be allowed to receive
services under Wyoming's welfare-to-work (JOBS) program.
     o  AFDC minor children who refuse to stay in school or
accept suitable employment could have their benefits reduced by
$40 a month.  Similarly, adult AFDC recipients who are deemed
eligible to work or perform community service, but who refuse to
do so, could face a reduction in benefits of up to $100 per
month.
     o  AFDC benefits for adults who have completed a post-
secondary educational program while on welfare, or who have been
convicted of program fraud, will be significantly restricted.
     The Wyoming demonstration program becomes effective
immediately and will operate for a period of five years.  Some of
the elements of the program will be administered in selected
counties; others will apply statewide.  The plan will include a
rigorous evaluation utilizing random assignment to control and
experimental groups.