"Today, confusing and conflicting regulations are keeping people from getting help," Bush said in his weekly radio address.
"My proposal would give states the freedom to redesign how federal programs operate in their states," he said. "This will allow states to be more innovative in providing better job training, housing and nutrition programs, and better child-care services to low-income families."
Bush promoted his proposed changes to the 1996 welfare overhaul in a message similar to one he delivered in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday, when he advocated tougher work requirements for welfare recipients.
Ohio's social service officials greeted the president's plan with skepticism, expressing fears it may trigger increased costs in their state support programs -- even though Bush assured his audience, "We've got money in the budget" for the initiative.
Under the plan Bush announced in February, states would receive $200 million in federal funds, plus $100 million in matching state funds, for programs aimed at getting low-income couples with children to marry.
States also would be able to send welfare recipients to education, training and other programs for up to two days, or 16 hours, per week. States also could, once every two years, send them into full-time job training or drug rehabilitation for three months.
"Everyone in America benefits from compassionate welfare reform," Bush said in his broadcast. "Former welfare recipients gain new hope and know the independence and dignity of an honest day's work. As our recovery continues, business will need more motivated and trained workers. Good welfare reform laws can break dependency and help the American economy."
The House is scheduled to take up the welfare legislation next week.
"It's an excellent bill that will provide hope and promise, dignity and opportunity to millions of Americans," Bush said in urging passage of the bill.
He noted that since the 1996 law was signed, 5.4 million fewer people -- 2.8 million of them children -- are living in poverty.
"I've met people whose lives have been improved because of welfare reform," Bush said. "I have heard inspiring stories of hope and dignity and hard work and personal achievement. Yet, there are still millions of Americans trapped in dependence, without jobs and the dignity they bring. And now Congress must take the next necessary steps in welfare reform."
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