Rather than limiting terms they would do better, and get more people off that do not need it, by requiring some action like

* Attending School
* Doing some community service each period to qualify...
* Holding down a part time job or seasonal labor to get welfare as a supplement.

I forget which state did this, but it reduced applications by close to 80% if I recall correctly.

They should pair this with an elimination of the minimum wage. Without a minimum wage, even folks who aren't skilled and have other issues can get a job.

"To protect elementary education." ?? What a crock. End the free school lunch program and THEN use that line... it would still be bogus,( ed can't be protected when the gov runs it), but it would save a a bundle.

Time for all the Socialist's non-profits to step up.

Just love how people taking other people's money want to be treated with special respect, not have to admit they need someone else's support, generally due to their bad decisions.

I'd hire one of those down-and-out people to help here on the farm, and would make the person productive... except we've tried it and it's essentially impossible.

Why? The ones we've invited in have been thieves. And of course we can't pay them except under the table, or they would lose their stinking benefits!

We have a test for anyone who expresses an interest in helping with the horses. We have them walk past a spot where there is a shovel, a manure bucket, and a fresh pile of horse manure.

Losers say, "Eeewww." Or they turn away and keep moving.

Winners (if we ever saw any) would pick up the shovel and get to work.

We've had one winner, but she owns her own farm, elsewhere. When she visited, she picked up a shovel, of course.

We will see the usual canards....women children and minorities hurt the most.....children will be dying in the streets etc!

When will people begin to understand...these programs spawn problems, not solve them.

My idea, and I'm not one for welfare, is to give those who need assistance 3 years of state services. State services, to me, is defined as community college, child care, rent and utilities fully paid, bus passes/train passes, and food stamps. The intention is to provide the person with a fishing pole. They have 3 years to pursue a 2 year degree in the occupation of their choosing. If after 3 years they have not obtained their profession they are removed from the "assistance" rolls forever. If they achieve, they will have a profession, they will be able to support themselves and the "should" never need from others again.

Illegal aliens, non-citizens, are entitled to nothing save 6 months in jail followed by deportation - the bil lcan be sent to Mexico.

The very existence of a deficit means that welfare programs are a luxury that can't be afforded. This whole thing should therefore be cancelled.

I think that those who actually are too disabled to work should be exempt, at least for the time being, until voluntary donations/charity could take over. Otherwise, it's an excellent idea.

It's a great start.

Any press that indicates "a prevailing mood [...] that welfare, Medicaid and other public assistance programs are crutches that keep the poor from getting back on their feet and achieving their potential" is good press IMHO.

This is the best way to fight entitlements - to label them as "holding back the recipients" rather than helping them.

I may be imagining it, but I'm seeing this as a recurring theme that is increasing in frequency. While the legislation itself may be weak, I think the press is good.

The astounding part of the British story, to me, is the increase in jobs. I'd like to hear more about how they did it. The US lost a huge number of jobs in the 2008 slump that have not reappeared, and I assume it's because of the huge increases in taxes (including Obamacare taxes and penalties) and costly regulations. Just roll both back to what they were on 1/1/2008 and I'd expect to see 2 or 3 million Americans who have permanently left the workforce return to it. And I'm sure many of those people get some form of welfare.

Only a billion deficit? Chump Change! They shouldn't start worrying until the billions approach a trillion, emulating Big Brother in Washington. Then, because the people fear bankruptcy, they can raise taxes and start a series of borrow and tax, borrow and tax. Doesn't that sound like fun, boys and girls? Oops, I'm sorry I meant girls and boys.