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GOP Welfare Bill

NOTE: This is a sidebar to the main story on AFDC.

JEFFERSON CITY _ The Republican attempt to reform Missouri's welfare system died this year before it even got to the floor of the General Assembly.

The proposed GOP plan substantially would restructure Aid to Families with Dependent Children _ the welfare program Laura Parker was on in Wisconsin.

Sponsors of the legislation said they wanted to encourage work and responsibility rather than foster dependency.

Measures in the GOP bill would have:

* Put a 24-month limit on receiving AFDC benefits.

* Stopped giving additional benefits for each child born.

* Required a $10 co-payment from Medicaid recipients if they choose a hospital emergency room rather than a private physician for non-emergency illnesses or injuries.

* Stopped benefits for drug offenders not enrolled in a drug rehabilitation or parenting program.

* Encouraged high school graduation by giving an additional $50 a month to AFDC recipients who attend school 90 percent of the time, and slash benefits for attending 75 percent of the time.

* Revoked drivers license if father owes $5,000 or more in child support payments.

House Republicans who sponsored the defeated bill say they will try again next year.