Welfare Reform

We've all been there. No matter how much money you make, sometimes it's just hard to make ends meet. Sometimes the eagle doesn't even land, it just waves on it's way out. And it's hard trying to decide sometimes which bill to pay and which you can put off. And that really bites!! Lets see, should you pay the rent/mortgage oooorrrr feed your kids? Being a single mom, I've had more weeks like that than I choose to think about.

There have been times when things have gotten so bad, I've had to utilize the Texas Welfare System. (and I use the word "system" very loosely) I have used it a few months to get back on kitler and then not reapply. Welfare, as it was originally intended, is a great idea. However, more people abuse the system than use it the was it was designed. In the beginning, it was very hard for me to get to the point that I would even apply. You know, PRIDE and all. But, I finally had to do what I had to do to take care of my kids.

I have to say, the application process is 10 times more frustrating than going to the DMV. And I think the people working there are the ones the DMV wouldn't hire. But all the frustrations aside, I have to say, Welfare needs a makeover....

There is a big fight in the government about what should happen to the welfare systems all across the US, And I really think that they need to get their act together and stop wasting so much money on things that don't work.

I don't know if you have heard of the WIC program. It's Women, Infants, and Children. This is actually an excellent program because it focuses on healthy eating, exercise, and providing milk, cheese, eggs, vegetables, formula, and protein to lower income families. You have to go in and attend classes on health, parenting, etc. You get a certain number of vouchers  for the month and then you are allowed to get what they allot you (i.e. 3 gallons of milk, 1 lb of cheese, 1 dozen eggs, peanut butter, etc) and it lists the maximum dollar amount you can purchase based on the off or store brands.

Personally, I really think that the welfare system needs to implement a system more like the WIC program. One of my biggest gripes about welfare is that it doesn't supply aid for help with things like diapers. If you have ever bought diapers, you know how expensive they are. One of the things I always needed when money was really tight was money for diapers and wipes. but no one gives help for things like that. Why can't the welfare system give you vouchers for diapers and wipes? Or maybe even bottles or car seats. Things that you have to have.

The biggest problems I have with welfare is not the system itself, but the abuse of the system and the requirements. First, there are more non-citizens on welfare than actual citizens. This I feel takes away from our economy. Look at it like this: One, they are taking away jobs from Americans because they will work for less money. Since they are working for less money, they go get welfare that provides them with healthcare, food, and housing. Then, all the money they do make, they send to their native country to support their family over there. It's very frustrating. When my daughter was 3 years old, I was working two jobs to make ends meet. I was renting a 19' travel trailer because that's all I could afford. Even then, I could not afford to pay all of my bills, and I didn't have many. So I applied for food stamps. I did not qualify because having two jobs, my income for 2 people was about $5 over the income limits.

I understand the income limits, I really do. But I think they need to look at more than just your rent and income. There are things like car insurance that you have to pay or you could go to jail. And maybe you have a car note. Or basic things like diapers, toilet paper, and soap. But these things are not taken into consideration.

When are we going to have someone with the power stand up for the ones who need the help even though they work and are struggling? Welfare Reform? Give me a call. I will tell you exactly how it needs to be done.