Does the Welfare System Work?

Following the stock market crash of 1929, the US economy spiraled downward. As the Great Depression took hold, millions of people were left to live with little resources, and it became necessary for city and local charities to aid in their support. Despite the efforts of these city governments and private sectors, they were unable to keep up with the expanding needs of the impoverished.

When the Social Security Act came into effect (in August, 1935), it included a provision for welfare to assist the enormous number of single mothers. When Bill Clinton ran for president in 1992, he promised to "end welfare as we know it." The reform that he later signed returned the majority of its control back over to the states. This has made for inconsistent implementation, none of which 'work'.

The purpose of the welfare system was (and is) to assist single parent families by providing minimal support for a limited period of time. Since the states have control over the amount these families receive, each states varies and none of them pay sufficiently to survive, even for a short period of time.

In Arizona, the maximum that a mother with one child could receive in 1988 was $275.00 per month. With this amount they were expected to pay rent, utilities and maintain the needs of the child. As of October 2007, the amount had not changed. If they do not have a rental obligation, they receive $173.00 a month. As a result of these meager amounts, welfare fraud continues to grow.

If the states were to employ some of these recipients, they could drastically reduce the number of applications received and increase the allotment amounts. There are state positions that include landscaping, maintenance, janitorial, cook, childcare, and the list goes on and on. There should be no reason that suitable employment could not be given to anyone, regardless of their educational background. This should be 'required' employment of (at least) four hours per day.

The states need to implement an educational program whereby those who want to learn can learn. There should also focus on providing classes in childcare, budgeting and English as a second language.

No welfare recipient should be allowed to merely collect a check unless they are physically unable to do otherwise. And, no one should be allowed a check just because they qualify financially. America needs to get out of the rut of allowing this system to be a "family tradition." These people need to be given resources and they need to be given hope.