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Gingrich suggested that the Obama administration's waiver program is illegal because it would allow Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to relax some restrictions spelled out in a section of the law that Republicans contend is protected from such waivers. However, Sebelius says she has a legal opinion from department attorneys that says waivers are allowed to test if state experiments would improve the program. Gingrich said that's exactly what you'd expect to hear from liberals trying to undermine welfare reform by stealth. He called Sebelius "a radical" and dismissed views of former GOP aide Haskins, saying, "I was sorry that he has such a lack of imagination." The administration says its waiver plan was prompted by interest from the states, including Nevada and Utah, which have Republican governors. On Wednesday, both states responded. Mary-Sarah Kinner, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval's press secretary, said Nevada had not and would not seek a waiver. Ally Isom, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert's deputy chief of staff, acknowledged that Utah sought waivers but not from work requirements. The administration says work requirements are not on the table.
It's unclear where the welfare debate will go next. The administration said Wednesday there are no plans to reconsider the waiver policy. Congressional Republicans are pursuing legislation to block the waivers, but it's unlikely to advance beyond the GOP-dominated House. Republicans also face a tricky political calculation because some see racial undertones in making an issue out of programs like welfare and food stamps. The latest statistics show the welfare caseload is divided thus: 33 percent black, 31 percent white and 29 percent Hispanic. Gingrich addressed the race issue. "To have an honest discussion about dependency doesn't mean you are being a racist," he said.
[Associated
Press;
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