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Advantages And Disadvantages Of Welfare Reform

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Advantages And Disadvantages Of Welfare Reform
Welfare Reform

Welfare reform refers to changes in the operation of a given welfare system. This provides funding for basic living expenses for all American citizen efficiently through an electronic benefit system and that income taxes be converted to a flex tax without the standard deductions or proposal exemption. The current system that we now have has 13 independent programs and has many problems associated with it the inconsistent treatment of low-income Americans, also not having enough benefits for those in extreme poverty and also work and marriage penalties. If we allow a new, more simplified welfare system that pays cash to low income citizens this would most definitely …show more content…
Supporters of reform argue that the work requirement dropped case loads, put people to work, decreased the number of people in poverty and saved the government billions. Critics argue that reform hurt the poor because individuals could not find jobs, were forced out of the program and sought help elsewhere including other federal programs. Welfare may encourage some recipients not to seek work, since a rise in income would disqualify them from receiving free benefits. Fraud has also been a result of some recipients in a desperate ploy to receive assistants from the government. One of the disadvantages of welfare is the cost of the local government. Also states feel the burden of welfare in their annual budget. The goal of the social welfare system in the United States is to help families with assistance in meeting their financial obligations and also assist with healthcare and …show more content…
Some states experienced considerably larger caseload declines than others. Welfare caseloads have been cut nearly in half and employment of the most disadvantaged single mothers has increased from 50 percent to 100 percent. The current position of the economy does have an effect on AFDC/TANT caseloads, irrespective of the economic conditions, caseload trends before and after reform is enormous due to the impact of welfare reform policies. Three goals when congress restructures the TANF program this year is to reduce dependence and increase employment, reduce child poverty; and reduce illegitimacy and strengthen marriage structures” (Franklin D. Roosevelt State of the Union Address of 1935, n.d.). Ronald Reagan once said, “We should measure welfare 's success by how many people leave welfare, not by how many are added. Americans it is important to remember the foundations our country was founded on but also that times have changed. All citizens should work for their money and shouldn’t rely on those who do to help pay for their expenses” (Dennis, n.d.). Over the years welfare Reform has changed for the better to assist a low family to a middle class
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