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2005 Senate Bill 894: Add welfare recipient “life skills” training
Public Act 323 of 2005
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- Introduced by Sen. Irma Clark-Coleman (D) on November 10, 2005, to require the “orientation sessions” that welfare recipients must undergo to include assessments of literacy and skills, job readiness, basic skills, and mental or physical barriers or disability. If necessary the orientation would include training or education in basic “life skills”.
- Referred to the Senate Families and Human Services Committee on November 10, 2005.
- Reported in the Senate on December 1, 2005, with the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
- Substitute offered in the Senate on December 1, 2005, to replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described. The substitute passed by voice vote in the Senate on December 1, 2005.
- Referred to the Senate Families and Human Services Committee on November 10, 2005.
- Passed 35 to 0 in the Senate on December 1, 2005.
Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No" - Received in the House on December 1, 2005.
- Referred to the House Family and Childrens Services Committee on December 1, 2005.
- Reported in the House on December 7, 2005, without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.
- Substitute offered by Rep. Jerry Kooiman (R) on December 8, 2005, to replace the previous version of the bill with one that simply requires periodic review of the "family self sufficiency plan," the details of which are now contained in House Bill 5446. The substitute passed by voice vote in the House on December 8, 2005.
- Amendment offered by Rep. Jerry Kooiman (R) on December 8, 2005, to revise the tie-bars in the legislative package, which will now be comprised of this Senate Bills 892 to 894, and House Bills 5438 to 5442. The amendment passed by voice vote in the House on December 8, 2005.
- Referred to the House Family and Childrens Services Committee on December 1, 2005.
- Passed 87 to 14 in the House on December 8, 2005, to require periodic review of the more detailed welfare recipient "family self sufficiency plan" proposed by House Bill 5446.
Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No" - Received in the Senate on December 13, 2005.
- Substitute offered by Sen. Bill Hardiman (R) on December 13, 2005, to replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described. The substitute passed by voice vote in the Senate on December 13, 2005.
- Passed 32 to 5 in the Senate on December 13, 2005, to require periodic review of the more detailed welfare recipient "family self sufficiency plan" proposed by House Bill 5446.
Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No" - Received in the House on December 13, 2005.
- Passed 68 to 40 in the House on December 13, 2005, to concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.
Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No" - Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm on December 22, 2005.
Most Recent Comments
1) Sorry welfare offices by Anonymous Citizen on June 3, 2006----
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Especially those that "can't" work? Are they brain damaged from lead? I'm serious. We need to stop being so elitist about welfare and address the issues we can. And yes there are some just plain old lazy people. I know already.
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Rep. Cushingberry, having reserved the right to explain his protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement:
"Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
Why can't we truly innovate and fight the madness thrust upon us from Washington today? We need to challenge the administration and congressional leadership who can pay five times the value for war implements from their friendly defense contractors and allow no bid contracts and agree to pay for things they never receive - that enough is enough and leave the poor people alone.
A system that is streamline and allows for a single application for all of the Federal, State, and Local Government programs simultaneously, seamlessly, and effectively is what 'welfare reform' should become. A straightforward amalgamation of all the rules and regulations with the idea to repeal, reform, and reconstitute a mishmash of systems into a continuum of compassionate, creative, and caring programs.
Emphasis should be first on the health (mental and physical) of all those in need. Everyone who needs this assistance should receive it. Education should be free thru Community College or Vocational training. We need to fully fund child care so individuals don't have to choose whether to pursue education or leave children by themselves. Food stamp assistance should be increased and the old surplus food program replenished. Weatherization for Seniors to keep them warm and cool should be expanded so the waiting lists are eliminated. The job training programs should be allowed to take all comers. Aesthesis should be added as a tool to encourage civic, civil, and cultural literacy.
Our efforts should also be to fully fund community mental health so we don't continue this asinine notion and practice of filling prisons with mental health patients.
The Federal Government should grant a guaranteed income for poor Americans that may be tailored by the States to allow them an opportunity for the American dream.
Scholarships should be available to anyone who has received a certificate or Associates degree to finish their education and further upgrade their skills.
Finally, a co-ordination and clearinghouse should be established of programs available ecumenically. This is where a true welfare reform package should be headed. Not this half-baked, mean-spirited, sinfully greedy effort before us today."
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