Controversial issue? I think so. Some of you may agree with me, some of you may not, but nonetheless, here are my views on welfare and what I think should be done in the manner of reform. I must admit that I'm a bit biased on the issue as I've known nothing other than hard work and sacrifice for the better part of my life. I got my first job at the age of twelve. I worked at a saw mill in the summertime to make money for the county fair. I've held down a steady full time job since. I had very little help monetarily from my parents (not that they didn't have the money, it's just that I was self supportive) and I'm sure that a lot of you out there were the same way. But what went wrong? Why are millions and millions of Americans on the government provided welfare system? When does the part time high school job at the grocery store end and the once a month checks and food stamps begin? I've never been in that situation, so I don't know where the break down begins, so give me your input.
Rest assured, I'm not here to drill anyone because they're on welfare, and I'm not here to support the welfare system that we have. I just feel like we need a new plan. I know and you know that there are lots of people who abuse the system. Heck, I don't know that I can blame then. It's not a great luxurious living, but it's a free living. Here's my theory on how to improve the system. It's a simple additive. It doesn't cost anymore, might even cost less.
Scenario: A 25 year old mother of three children ages one, five, and six, is employed part time. Her husband has a good job and pays most of the bills. Between her family and his family, baby sitting is not a problem. They have a decent home, dependable transportation, and a touch of happiness. For one reason or another, the marriage deteriorates leading to divorce. She's left alone with the children and the loser husband moves away. He pays child support for about six months and then disappears, never to be heard from again. In desperation, the young mother gets a full time job to make enough money to provide for her suffering family. She makes a moderate wage at $6.50 an hour. At 40 hours a week she brings home about $182 dollars a week after taxes. Childcare costs her $50 a week per child, that's $150, leaving her a whopping $32 per week, or $128 per month to live on. Seeing that she's at a dead end, she quits her job and applies for WIC, foodstamps, and any other assistance she can get. Do you blame her?
Solution: Instead of giving an able bodied person foodstamps and a monthly check, the government should provide reduced cost or even free child care. Then maybe that same young mother would have an incentive to continue her job. Maybe even climb the ladder of success, move up in her business, and earn herself a decent salary.
Agree or disagree? Let me know how you feel about it. Give me your thoughts or solutions to the welfare dilemma. Good or bad, agree or disagree, I'll post your thoughts and comments here on this very page.