Legislative Wrap-up: Welfare reform
The Legislature took a softer approach than Shumlin pushed for; lawmakers decided to delay or waive the cap for families in certain situations.
Vt. Senate to debate budget Thursday; Reach Up language remains a sticking point
The bill gives the commissioner of the Department of Children and Families sole discretion over whether parents who play by the rules can continue to receive benefits.
Senate Appropriations budget bill includes five-year cap on Reach Up benefits
Senate Appropriations had no shortage of choices, between the administration’s two proposals, the House’s version, and the Senate Health and Welfare Committee’s recommendation.
Public Assets Institute takes to airwaves to counter governor’s EITC proposal
Public Assets Institute remains adamant that reducing the EITC by any amount is poor policy.
Shumlin’s funding plan to boost child care remains a tough sell
The governor’s plan to use a tax credit for low-income working Vermonters to fund childcare subsidies lacks support in the Senate.
Shumlin administration proffers new Reach Up plan to Senate budget committee
The governor’s new plan kicks “sanctioned” families off the program after just four months.
Senate Health and Welfare Committee rejects Reach Up cap
Yacovone told Senate Health and Welfare: “There is a thin line between being compassionate and enabling people.”
Shumlin administration to eliminate 14 job counselors in the Reach Up program
The Department of Children and Families plans to reinvest the money to hire substance abuse and mental health counselors for the Reach Up program.
Budget battle unfolds in DAIL’s Developmental Services Division
“After months of trying to find alternatives through policy changes and system, it is now our opinion that the only sure way to save $2.5 million would be through rescission,” DAIL Commissioner Susan Wehry said.
In House vote on welfare limit, a right turn on a left issue
If even most Vermont Democrats are going to limit benefits to young, poor, women, where is a liberal to turn?
