Putting Welfare to Work

The issue I'm choosing to write about is the issue with the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), formally referred to as Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). These are closely tied into welfare. This program is one that gives direct cash payments to families with one or more children under the age of eighteen, with at least one parent being deceased, incapacitated, absent or unemployed. In 1996, it was argued that the AFDC provided incentives for families to remain unemployed, so a rule was put in place that required families to find full-time jobs within two years of being given periodic payments. This is when the program changed its name from AFDC to TANF. Some people argue that changing requirements for TANF did not improve poverty levels and that time limits force families off of the program even when they can't support themselves, and ends up requiring government to spend more on things like food stamps and medicaid.

I agree with the lawmakers who changed the requirements for TANF. Although I do believe it's unfortunate that some people may not be able to support themselves after two years and are kicked off the program, I think it's relatively ridiculous. Two years is ample time to find and keep a full-time job. If someone's unemployed, then what can they be spending their time doing? Obviously childcare, but beyond that, they should have enough free time to look for jobs. I worry about America catering to the poor too much. Don't get me wrong, I have a heart. I feel terrible for the situations that some Americans have put upon them. I'm simply saying, we cannot let them continue in their lifestyle of not working simply because they don't need to. That would be unfair to the middle class that works very hard. Senator Anthony Sykes has the same opinion as me on this issue.

Issue 1: At the time that I posted this, no one had done issue 1 yet.
Issue 2: (minimum wage) http://katiebruzik.blogspot.com/