PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY IS THE BACKBONE OF THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE – THE NATIONAL DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS THE MAINTENANCE OF FUNDING TO PROMOTE SELF–SUFFICIENCY
ALEXANDRIA, VA – November 15, 2005 – The National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) at its Board of Directors meeting last week, passed a resolution that recognizes the importance of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, the (Act), and urges continuation of its current level of funding. The federal government has, through the passage of this Act, acknowledged the critical impact of child support programs in reducing welfare dependency. Currently, however, there are proposals to reduce federal reimbursement of the Act by 24%.
The child support provisions established in this Act enable state and local prosecutors to hire investigators and staff to take legal action against those parents who refuse to provide court ordered child support payments. If these funds are significantly reduced, as currently proposed, it could have a devastating effect on children.
Paul A. Logli, President of NDAA, and State’s Attorney in Winnebago County, IL, said, “Prosecutors realize that helping parents receive legally mandated child support can make the difference between giving their children a decent life – or having to raise their children in poverty. This program is not a handout – it’s holding parents accountable for the financial welfare of their children. The funding provided through this Act promotes self-sufficiency and fosters stable and safer communities. Maintaining the funding level for this Act helps us protect the children and families in the communities we serve.”
The NDAA represents over 30,000 state and local prosecutors who are responsible for trying more than 95% of all criminal cases in America. The NDAA has been working on behalf of, and providing a unified voice for, state and local prosecutors for 55 years. NDAA is a non-partisan association with a membership as diverse as America.
CONTACT: Velva M. Walter, Director, NDAA Media Relations
Email: velva.walter@ndaa-apri.org or Phone: 703-519-1689
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