What was wrong with the old welfare laws?
There was no reason under the old laws for anyone to get off welfare. People began abusing the system and using welfare as a lifestyle instead of an aid to help them get back on their feet. People were literally living off welfare for long periods of time. Many were not seeking jobs but instead were living off tax dollars dished out through the government. As a result, poverty was not being combated but encouraged. Recipients had no incentive and no help getting back into the work force. Costs of welfare were extraordinary as they were essentially the bulk of government spending. The high cost and ineffectiveness of the old welfare system was one of the major contributors to our national debt. Recent statistics before the 1996 law (1992 – 1996) 1. In 1992 only 6.2 percent of recipients had jobs. 4.2 had part time jobs 2. Only 16.1% were training for a job 3. Only 11.8% were seeking work 4. 65.1% were not actively seeking work – only 0.2% of which was due to layoff 5. 63.5% have a priva
