WASHINGTON – Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin today co-sponsored the Social Security Block Grant Restoration Act, HR 956, that will fully fund the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), also known as Title XX, at the level states were promised in 1996 under welfare reform.

The SSBG was created in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan and since then has become an integral part of welfare reform and the effort to transition families from welfare to self sufficiency. SSBG funds the local agencies that provide the substance abuse treatment and mental health services that some welfare recipients need to gain independence. It also provides critical services to the elderly and disabled, survivors of domestic violence; young adults who are leaving the foster care system and adoptive parents.

"Despite the wide variety of services that SSBG provides, it has been subjected to cuts that have effected the ability of these programs to meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. It's time for us to stand up for the millions of people who depend upon SSBG to ease some of their hardship," said Rep. Cardin, Ranking Member on the Human Resources Subcommittee.

SSBG's flexible dollars allow communities to shape their network of support services. Maryland received $32 million in SSBG funds for FY 2001. These funds are used primarily for foster care, protective services for children, and home based services.