Welfare Reform

The best way to help those that are down on their luck is to create the enabling processes that get them back to work. Work requirements are the starting point for welfare reform. We should have compassion for those who (for whatever reason) are not capable of working, but chart a clear pathway forward for those who can.  I don’t believe that legislated philanthropy is the “magic cure all” for the impoverished, homeless, and less fortunate among us that need a helping hand. Legislated philanthropy leads to an environment of entitlement, which in turn leads to the creation of a welfare state. Welfare breads reliance on government which is part of the multi-faceted approach of the Marxists. Their end is reliance, control, and power.

Let us take a look at some of the current conditions. Former Senator Jim DeMint, in his book entitled Falling In Love With America Again, commented, “Today the United States’ welfare system consists of a complex web of roughly 80 means-tested programs providing cash, food, housing, medical care, and social services to poor and low-income individuals.” Only 2 of these programs included a work requirement. While President Trump has done much to reverse the paltry work requirements, there is still much that needs to be done to get people back to work and contributing. The welfare state in the U.S. has ballooned to well over $1 trillion. If you include Social Security and Medicare the welfare numbers prove well beyond 20% of GDP!   

The long-term and sustainable solution is when ministries, charities, nonprofits, and other NGO (Non-Governmental Organizations) related entities decide to get involved and lead. We have a responsibility as individuals and American citizens to look to the plight of the less fortunate and take action.  Allowing the government to legislate (force) tax payers to foot the bill for entitlement programs is not the answer. We the people, out of the abundance of our hearts, should be so moved with compassion that we immediately consider the needs of our neighbors. Outside of a few exceptions, creative solutions that stimulate work opportunities/requirements must be part of any real solution on this issue. For example:

·       Create home-based entrepreneurial ventures and other work-related enterprises that issue credit hours for welfare recipients that allow an adequate level of work/life balance

·       Advanced incentives for businesses who hire and retain welfare recipients

·       Joint partnerships between business and ministries/charitable institutions that offer day care services for long-term employees

·       Tighten the job search requirement laws for welfare recipients and those capable of working

·       In the tradition of crime watch and neighborhood watch groups, establish voluntary national “poverty watch” and “neighborhood poverty watch groups” to help care for those in need in conjunction with local churches

Citizens of the United States of America are an industrious people. This country was built on the backs of those citizens who worked hard and toiled to make our country great. I believe in working hard, loving our neighbors, and rebuilding the moral and spiritual foundations of America.