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To The Editor: 

Aug. 22 marks the 6th anniversary of the signing of the legislation that ended welfare as we knew it. This anniversary isn't likely to get much media attention, but it should because the recession is hurting a growing number of welfare-to-work families and because Congress must re-authorize the legislation this year. There are close to 20,000 children, up to 12 years old, in Alameda County on welfare; the majority live in Oakland. 

The House has passed a welfare re-authorization bill that includes increased work hours for families and a woefully inadequate increase in child care assistance and other supportive services. Now is the time for the Senate to pass its own version of the bill. The Senate Finance Committee has approved an increase of $5.5 billion in mandatory child care funds over five years. However this increase still leaves millions of struggling low-income working families who do not receive welfare (TANF) without help in paying for child care. 

We must urge the Senate to support amendments to the child care/welfare bill that will ensure an increase of $11.25 billion in child care funding over five years when the full Senate considers the bill. It will also bolster the quality of child care so that children can start school ready to succeed. The well-being of many of the Bay Area's low-income families is at stake, especially since our state budget crisis threatens work support programs designed to help millions of low-income families get and keep good jobs. 

The bipartisan welfare re-authorization legislation awaiting Senate action makes significant improvements to the welfare system by expanding opportunities for education and training, restoring benefits to legal immigrants, and providing help to low-wage workers and children. When they return from recess, Senators should put consideration of this legislation among its top priorities.  

Angie Garling 

Berkeley