Let's Dig Deeper Into Poverty

The current buzz in Washington is about income inequality.  It is clear that the gap has widened between the top 10% to the bottom 10%.  The hot issue about to be addressed in Congress is the extension of unemployment benefits.  As of this writing it is not clear how that will go.

But maybe we should dig deeper into the reasons for poverty and attack some of those reasons before we just handout more taxpayer money.  It may feel good to help others this way, but in some cases --not all -- we are enhancing this cycle of dependency.  Or at least decreasing the sense of urgency to get a job and be self-sufficient.

There many reasons people may be below the poverty level.  Here are just a few ideas to consider working on at a more basic level.  The "teach a man to fish" philosophy is in play here.

1.  Continue to fund Head Start.  This program has shown its worth in preparing very young children for social interaction and learning, and helps to ensure success in school.

2.  Institute a nationwide "gatekeeper" system where each government aid applicant provides his or her background regarding education, health issues, children (which may include going after child support), and other issues of daily living.  Once this information is known, targeted aid, called "wrap-around" can be tailored to the individual or family.  Just throwing money at people and expecting them to make all the right choices is folly.

3.  Consider a work program, or at least a standardized work training program for those who are able.  Preparing people to work will increase their success at getting and holding jobs.

4.   Provide adequate childcare for those willing to work, but only after assessing if there are appropriate family members who could provide care.  Offer parenting classes where indicated with other incentives if needed.  Parental involvement is crucial in any children's plan.

5.  When indicated, provide an incentive to staying off illegal and harmful drugs, through treatment, increased personal funding, or a deferred prosecution if the person has violated the law.  These incentives can help whole families by giving them choices to make.

This plan would not be any less expensive than the current welfare/food stamp/housing programs, but the infrastructure is already in place in nearly every county in the country.  Funds would be needed to add or expand those "best-practice" programs using existing social agencies.  The results could be fantastic.

Food Stamps - Not Stamps Anymore!

There should be no one who begrudges giving food benefits to those who are in financial situations for which they had no control. With high unemployment hitting the middle class, single parents with no choice but to stay home with their children, and people too ill to work, our government must provide a food safety net. No one, especially children should go hungry or be forced to beg for food. What many still refer to as Food Stamps is now a benefit in the form of a credit card or sorts, called EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer. This allows the beneficiaries to use their card in much the same way others use credit cards at the grocery store. Unless you are behind the person in line, and happen to see the card, you would not know they were getting food assistance, which is as it should be. No need for public shaming for those in need of food basics.

But with the plastic card comes abuse as reported in the news lately. Some of those less fortunate have been using their food benefit cards for such things as liquor, tattoos, tobacco products, and cruises. Even more bizarre are the reported uses for strip clubs, body piercings, and, yes, even guns. So now many states have had to put limits on the EBT cards to help stem the abuse (more are considering those ideas). They are trying to limit the EBT benefits to food and clothing, while making ATMs in strip clubs, casinos, and other such places off limits. ATMs you might ask? Yes, the EBT cards apparently can be used to withdraw cash, which we have to assume can be used for nearly anything -- Cigarettes, big screen TVs, drugs, or a bet with your bookie.

Those opposed to more rigid controls on EBT state that by restricting the uses, the government is contributing to the stereotype of the welfare cheat. Well, if there are abuses as stated above, then it is those people themselves who contribute to the stereotype. I suspect abuse is not rampant; most EBT recipients really do need food and not tattoos, but any abuse that can be prevented, should be. The government should share is largesse with those less fortunate, but asking that EBT be used only for food and clothing is hardly an imposition. Restricting cash withdrawals to smaller amounts, maybe once a day, should provide the legitimate user with funds for those places that do not take EBT, such as some Farmers’ Markets. Even the most fervent conservative taxpayer should be able to embrace a needed program with proper limits. It is the “outliers” that get the news and get the “bootstrappers” up in arms about the welfare state. The government should not give them even more ammunition.