GOP to push for welfare reform

The Republican Project, a statewide conservative political action committee, is working to drum up support for L.D. 254, which proposes several changes to state welfare regulations. Rep. Richard Cebra, R-Naples, is sponsoring the measure, which features a five-point plan. 1. Establishes a 90-day residency requirement for program eligibility 2. Provides tax credits for employers who hire welfare recipients for at least 20 hours per week 3. Reduces the penalties now incurred by recipients when they take a job 4. Adjusts benefits to reflect earned income 5. Limits lifetime welfare benefits for adults to five years The project has put the word out to supporters in an effort to get a large crowd to attend the hearing. Expect significant opposition as well. The hearing is set for 1 p.m. Tuesday in front of the Health and Human Services Committee, room 209 of the Cross State Office Building.