S2706

21 Jun: Vitale-Rice Bill To Increase Transition Period For Welfare Families Receives Final Legislative Approval

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale and Ronald L. Rice which would revise earned income allowances under the Work First New Jersey welfare program to provide for a longer transition period from public assistance was unanimously approved by the Senate today by a vote of 37-0, receiving final legislative approval.

“Work First New Jersey is the State’s answer to get families on public assistance to be self-sufficient,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, the Chair of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “However, we need to recognize that many of the families receiving assistance from the State are going to be getting into the work force on the lower-end of the wage spectrum, and that we need to provide transitional support to keep them from re-enrolling in public assistance. This bill expands the State support we provide to New Jersey’s working poor, to help them support themselves in the future.”