And we could do it too!

Jan

Good point.

Jan,

Thanks for that. I was not aware that Brittan had done the welfare reform. Good article.

and yet the welcome illegal aliens and piss away public dollars for them, go figure.

Because if they are violating our law to send money home the 6 months is a long time to go without an income. Detaining them could prevent others from coming.

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.

California has a version of this rule already. You have to work (or do community service) at least 20 hours/week to get Food Stamps, Medicaid, or General Assistance. But people over 50 are exempt, and disabled people can get exemptions case-by-case.

Why keep them 6 months before deportation?

Yes, I liked that part too.

Jan

And what we need to evaluate here is if the people who are genuinely too disabled to work constitute a small enough number of people that private charity can support them.

Jan

As well as our aid to foreign countries. I am not opposed to foreign aid but we have to set our own house in order before we make donations to someone else.

Jan

AJA -

See my post to XenokRoy - Britain managed to put a dent into the dole just by having people sign contracts that they promised to look for work.; also, paying benefits monthly seems to be better than paying every two weeks. Such little changes...

Jan

My reaction as well. I have known people with little education who are very self-sufficient. And I know a man who has dyslexia who has written two books.

Jan

Britian's Welfare reform - over 1000 new jobs per day: http://rationaloptimist.com/blog/welfare...

It can be done.

Jan

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

It's a great start.

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.

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.

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.