Should the welfare program be reformed?
On One Hand: Welfare Works WellThe last major reform welfare received was in 1996, in which the receipt of cash assistance was tied to a requirement that the recipient find work. This reform has been applauded by most sectors as an unbridled success. The welfare rolls have been cut by millions, and child poverty has been reduced. Also, until the recent recession, so had the rate of unemployment.On the Other: Welfare Needs an OverhaulCalls for additional reform come from both liberal and conservative voices. Some conservatives argue that the provisions that worked so well in the 1996 reform should be applied to public housing and food stamps; some liberals argue that, given the dramatic losses of employment caused by the recession, welfare-to-work requirements should be loosened.Bottom LineThere exists no consensus on whether welfare needs an additional reform, or if it does what kind, but there appears to be little political will for a reform program right now. There are no major welfa
Related Questions
- Welfare versus Work: with public assistance, medical care for all, housing, free lunch for kids, WIC, food stamps, government pays about $40,000 to help a family of 4. Does that level of generosity discourage the working poor from working?
- How can I apply for welfare benefits?
- Is WIC an entitlement program?
