HHS News Release

HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala released today a simplified application process that will enable states to submit welfare reform demonstrations and obtain approval within 30 days. President Clinton announced the new fast-track demonstration initiative two
weeks ago at the National Governors' Association.

"The Clinton administration is helping governors right now to carry out real welfare reform, even as Congress delays on national legislation," said Secretary Shalala. "Two thirds of the states are already trying new ways to promote work and parental responsibility, and to protect children. Today we're creating a fast-track system
to help states move even faster on their welfare reform innovations."

Quick approval will be granted for state projects that meet one or more of five strategies outlined by the president. States can establish new work requirements with necessary child care, impose time limits followed by jobs for those willing to work, require minor mothers to live at home and stay in school, make parents pay
child support or go to work, and use Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and food stamps as cash subsidies to private employers to hire welfare recipients.

"More than half of all welfare recipients in the country are covered by demonstrations already approved by the Clinton administration," said Mary Jo Bane, assistant secretary for children and families. "We are encouraging states to use this quick and easy process to end welfare as we know it."

Letters are being sent to Governors and state social service commissioners with the application.

In addition, HHS is creating a new electronic application process through the Internet, to make information available more quickly and to enable applications to be sent directly via the Internet. The new process is to be available on the World Wide Web
at: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov.

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Contact: Michael Kharfen (202) 401-9215