We have people on disability who are unable to work. We have people who are on unemployment because they can't find a job. Mom's on welfare are usually given 2 years to get on their feet, take classes for a job, etc. so they can work. The State usually helps them with childcare in some cases if they are not making enough money they are given food stamps. Not everyone has a well-paid job. It's hard when you have teens home alone and work. I did it and worried all the time that one would get into trouble but my husband's schedule was often flexible so he'd pop in unexpected to see what they were doing. Working mom's with teens need help because they can't be everywhere. For my own grandchildren, they are not permitted to ride with other teen drivers, they are home after school and parties are checked out before they attend and there is a curfew. Although if you ask the grandchildren they will tell you their parents are strict but they don't complain. Kids do want those boundaries so they are clear. And if you talk about hate around your kids they will carry that burden on their backs out that front door. It's a fact. jmo
Interesting article in LA Times today: in many cases, WHY WORK?
http://www.latimes.com/opinion/commentary/la-oe-tanner-welfare-work-pay-20130822,0,3840208.story
In Washington, D.C., and 10 particularly generous states — Hawaii, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Maryland, New Hampshire and California — these seven programs provide a mother with two young children an annual benefit worth more than $35,000 a year. The value of the package in a medium-level welfare state is $28,500.
That may sound low, but it's important to remember that welfare benefits are not taxed, whereas wages are. So to put the welfare benefit package in perspective, we calculated the amount of money our recipient would have to earn in pretax income to bring home an equal amount of money if she took a 40-hour-per-week job.
After computing the federal income tax, the state income tax and payroll taxes, as well as taking into account federal and state earned income tax credits and the child tax credit, we came to the inescapable conclusion that welfare pays very well.
In fact, in 33 states and the District of Columbia, welfare pays more than an $8-an-hour job [see chart]. In 12 states, including California, as well as the District of Columbia, the welfare package is more generous than a $15-an-hour job. In Hawaii, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington, D.C., welfare pays more than a $20-an-hour job, or more than 2.75 times the minimum wage.
But kwim? How can it be achieved?
