Wis .  says is first state to apply for new welfare .  CHICAGO 1996-08-22  In keeping with its pioneering image in the area of welfare , Wisconsin was the first state to submit an administrative plan under the nation 's new welfare law , Gov .  Tommy Thompson said Thursday .  According to a new release from the governor , Wisconsin submitted a plan to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for administration of the new block grant system for welfare just minutes after President [START_ENT] Bill Clinton [END_ENT] signed the measure into law Thursday .  " As the nation 's leader in welfare reform , Wisconsin is far ahead of the curve and ready to go under this new system , " Thompson said .  Still , the governor said the new law does not go as far as the state 's own welfare reform program , dubbed W-2 .  He said that despite the new law , Wisconsin will still require federal waivers allowing the working poor to acquire health care coverage from the state , a 60-day residency requirement for participation in the welfare program , and child support collections to go directly to custodial parents .  The nation 's new welfare reform law limits eligibility , gives states more power and ends direct federal aid for poor children .  -- Karen Pierog , 312-408-8647
Bill Clinton