Lincoln Chafee on Welfare & Poverty

	Lincoln Chafee on Welfare & Poverty Democratic presidential challenger; Independent RI Governor; Republican Senator (1999-2007)

Yes, government has a role in struggle against poverty

Recently, we marked the 50th anniversary of the "War on Poverty." While we would all agree that this is a war worth fighting, I don't think any of us could say it's a war we've won. On the contrary, I strongly agree with Pope Francis, Pres. Obama, and other leaders who have expressed alarm at the widening disparity of opportunity in our communities. It se ems as though the battleground in the "War on Poverty" is increasingly the fundamental question of whether the government has a role to play in helping Americans help themselves out of poverty and up into the middle class. To that question, I answer an unequivocal : yes, government can be a force of good in people's lives. Unfortunately, the Tea Party and so-called conservatives have waged a war of their own on beneficial social programs that have proven to grow our essential middle class. Meanwhile our national economy sputters and the wealth disparity grows larger. We in this chamber have the responsibility to address it here in Rhode Island. Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Rhode Island legislature , Jan 15, 2014

Supports allowing churches to provide welfare services

We all support the concept of welfare to work. Source: Press Release, “Welfare to Work”, March 13, 2000 , Sep 19, 2000

Establish a National Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Chafee co-sponsored the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act

Establishes the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund in the Treasury to promote the development of affordable low-income housing through grants to States and local jurisdictions.

Source: Bill sponsored by 22 Senators 03-S1411 on Jul 15, 2003

Tax credits to promote home ownership in distressed areas.

Chafee co-sponsored the Community Development Homeownership Tax Credit Act

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit a community homeownership tax credit based upon an applicable percentage of each qualified residence's eligible basis. Makes such credit available to residences (including factory built homes) located:

in a census tract with a median gross income not exceeding 80 percent of the greater area or statewide median gross income;
in a rural area;
on an Indian reservation; or
in an area of chronic economic distress.

Prohibits a buyer's income from exceeding 80 percent (70 percent for families of less than three) of the area gross median income and requires owner occupancy. Source: Bill sponsored by 45 Senators 03-S875 on Apr 10, 2003

Fully fund AmeriCorps.

Chafee signed a letter from 43 Senators to the President

To: President George W. Bush

Dear President Bush:

We write to express our strong support for AmeriCorps and recognize the leadership you have shown on this issue over the years. We know you agree that AmeriCorps is an outstanding program which has proven successful in addressing our homeland security needs, leveraging volunteers, and improving the quality of services available to a broad range of Americans.

Unfortunately, as you know, the Corporation for National Service officially announced yesterday unprecedented and drastic funding cuts, from 50 to 95 percent in every state. These cuts mean that under the State Competitive funding stream the Corporation will only fund 2,036 volunteers, compared with 11,236 last year. Many states will see their volunteer allocations under the competitive stream drop by as much as 90 percent and 16 states are shut out completely.

In your 2002 State of the Union address, you called for every American to dedicate 4,000 hours to community service throughout their lives. In your 2004 budget request, you proposed increasing the number of AmeriCorps volunteers from 50,000 to 75,000. Unfortunately, due to serious errors made by the Corporation, fewer than half this number of Americans will be allowed to serve their country through service.

We should support, not oppose, efforts to encourage more Americans to enter public service. We should do everything in our power to reward the American men and women who have chosen to serve the country and their communities in the hope of meeting the nation's critical education, safety, health, and homeland security needs.

We urge you to request additional funding in the supplemental appropriations bill to ensure that AmeriCorps remains a strong and vital program today and in the future.

Source: Letter from 43 Senators to the President 03-SEN5 on Jun 17, 2003

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