Discussion on Welfare Reform and Social Justice to be Held July 16 at NPC

7/11/2002

From: Heather Morton of the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, 202-955-5078

News Advisory:

The landmark federal welfare reform legislation of 1996 is set to expire on September 30. But with just a few weeks remaining on the congressional calendar before the August recess, lawmakers are divided over work requirements, aid for legal immigrants, funding for childcare and other issues. At stake here are policy questions rooted in moral understandings about the responsibilities of individuals and the responsibility of government to promote social justice. A distinguished group of religious leaders and experts on welfare policy will join to discuss how our values should shape social legislation. What are government's obligations to the less fortunate in our society? How does government balance the need for compassion with attempts to encourage self-sufficiency? What criteria should be used to judge the success of welfare reform?

The Compassion Component: Welfare Reform and the Tradition of Social Justice

What: Discussion of Welfare Reform and Social Justice

When: Tuesday, July 16 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Where: The National Press Club, First Amendment Lounge 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

Who: -- Ken Connor, president, Family Research Council -- Ron Haskins, senior advisor for welfare policy at the Domestic Policy Council of the White House -- Sharon Parrott, co-director of Federal TANF Policy, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities -- Jim Skillen, president, Center for Public Justice -- Roberto Suro, executive director, Pew Hispanic Center -- Jim Wallis, convener and president, Call to Renewal -- E.J. Dionne, Jr. (moderator), senior fellow, Brookings Institution; Co-chair, the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life