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Improving the welfare system:
This program should only be an interim assistance program, not a lifelong dependency.
If a woman is put on welfare because she is pregnant or having a child, she should be required to attend school, at least for two years to get an Associate’s Degree. She can attend school online while pregnant. Then after having the child, pay for her child care expenses for the time period she goes to class, and that time period only. She should have to maintain a certain grade point average in school to continue to receive her benefits.
Once she has a degree, there should be a job placement program to get her to work. Once she goes to work, there can be discounted child care rates and still allow her to have foodstamps, however, other benefits should be either reduced or removed altogether.
The program should be about helping people to better themselves, not allowing them to continue in a path that leads to no success.
There is less cost involved in sending her to school and paying for her child care for four years than there is in supporting her and her child and then multiple children for a lifetime.
Welfare for elderly should remain as it is.
Welfare for disabled should be an interim unless they are permanently disabled and unable to care for themselves.
If they can care for themselves, they too should receive and education and have job placement assistance. Some may be able to move into full time employment. Others may only be able to work part time, however, they will still be contributing to the economy.
Employers who hire persons off these programs should receive tax breaks for doing so as an incentive for at least the first year of employment.
This way we are building their self esteem, making them a success, adding them to the economic contributing structure of the financial state of America. We are empowering them to be a part of making America strong.
If they live in public housing, they should be part of the maintenance team that repairs the building and maintains the grounds. They should take responsibility for their own neighborhoods and be taught pride in their surroundings. Any person not adhering should be sentenced to community work.
Regular inspections should be done, anyone owning expensive electronic equipment should be audited. Anyone found with drugs should be evicted. Anyone found with firearms should be evicted. Any vehicles exceeding the value limit seen on premises on a regular basis should be investigated.
We must stop allowing people to abuse the system. Make them work for what they have. If they are living in a project, make them spend ten hours a week working at a food pantry, community center, YWCA. Make them a part of the community and make sure they are working for what they are receiving.
2011 Copyrighted and contributed by S. Lynne Horton but with permission to send as letter to Congress
