[Comments on H.R. 4929 and H.R. 4986]

In response to a congressional request, GAO commented on two proposed bills that would change the employment-related programs for recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) benefits. One bill would require each state to establish a comprehensive work program with a central intake and registration process and with services selected on the basis of applicability to individual clients. Another bill would reform the Work Incentive Program and would establish a comprehensive training, education, and employment services program to help AFDC clients achieve self-sufficiency. GAO found that: (1) changes to the federal work program are needed; (2) the administration can simplify the array of program options; (3) neither bill would fully address the problems of administrative fragmentation and different funding levels for state work-related efforts; (4) neither bill would add to the services which the states can already offer; (5) although both bills would emphasize serving clients with severe barriers to employment, allow states to provide a range of services, and provide for an extension of support service benefits, Congress should modify or clarify some of the administrative and reporting requirements; and (6) one bill could inhibit the Secretary of Labor from overseeing the program properly and the Comptroller General from evaluating and reporting to Congress on a program receiving federal funds.