WASHINGTON - Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin's initiative to expand the Welfare-to-Work program was included in the Omnibus Budget Bill that was approved by Congress and signed by the President today. Rep. Cardin's Welfare-to-Work legislation makes it easier for long-term welfare recipients to participate in job training and job placement programs.

"I'm pleased that we've passed this law to help welfare recipients to get the work experience and training necessary to succeed in today's job market," said Rep. Cardin, the lead Democrat on the Human Resources Subcommittee.

This legislation revises the rules on who is eligible to participate in Welfare-to-Work programs. Prior to enactment of this law, Welfare-to-Work programs were available only to long-term welfare recipients who met two out of three specific barriers to employment.

Rep. Cardin's initiative expands the Welfare-to-Work program by removing the requirement that long-term recipients meet additional barriers to employment. As a result, all those receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) qualify for Welfare-to-Work programs if they have received assistance for at least 30 months; if they are within 12 months of a time limit; or if they have exhausted their welfare benefits due to reaching a lifetime limit. Eligibility for unemployed or under-employed non-custodial parents has been expanded as well. In addition, the measure will allow Welfare-to-Work participants to receive up to six months of stand-alone job training or vocational education.

Congress has been concerned by inability of states to fully utilize the Welfare-to-Work program because of federal limits on eligibility and use of funds. Rep. Cardin's legislation will make it far easier for states to enroll and serve individuals who desperately need Welfare-to-Work assistance.

"With these important changes, the Welfare-to-Work program will finally succeed in helping recipients make the difficult transition from dependency to self-sufficient, productive lives." said the Congressman.