Letter: Time for welfare reform

kathy a.
11/02/2009 11:08 AM

I agree with your later comment, Larry, but your earlier comment making this a partisan thing does the whole issue a disservice. It is what it is and conservative or liberal, the system needs overhauling.

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Laurie G.
Olivia, MN     11/02/2009 11:08 AM

You can't fix something by simply talking about it....at least there's more than talk about health reform....as they say, actions speak louder than words.

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Casey O.
11/02/2009 9:21 AM

Without reading the other comments, I want to leave my comment. Welfare should only be for USA citizens and only be temporary to help a person get through a bad spot in their lives. I am thankful to Clinton for putting a lifetime limit on welfare, but it seems that the limit is being ignored. That limit needs to be enforced. I am hopeful that when Obama can devote time to other things besides the economy, he will revamp the welfare system because it needs it and it seems that most presidents ignore it. He said when he was campaigning that he would get rid of things that aren't working and replace them with things that do work, and I hope that includes welfare reform. We need a better ID system to eliminate fraud. Every recipient needs to pass random drug and alcohol testing in order to receive their temporary helping hand. You can't apply for a job without being tested, so welfare needs to test too. Maybe some on welfare stay on it because they can't pass the test for employment and this would make them stay "clean" and they can then get a job and be off the system. This would lead to more tax money coming in and less tax money going out to support people that are able to work.

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Laurie G.
Olivia, MN     11/02/2009 8:51 AM

I don't think this problem is exclusive to conservatives or liberals...its an issue that has been put on the back burner for years and years by both parties, just as health reform was. If there are loops in the system, someone will take advantage of it - same behaviour as those who take advantage of tax loopholes that were never meant for them. I've been labeled a liberal and the fact that this type of welfare fraud happens disgusts me...so what label does that give me? Making this a political issue is not going to solve anything - if people would stop being so blessed obsessive about who gets the credit for 'causing' or 'fixing' something, maybe some progress would be made.

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Lisa H.
Willmar, MN     11/02/2009 8:49 AM

Right on, Larry!

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roger h.
11/02/2009 8:39 AM

Have lots of kids then you can have free breakfasts,lunch, medical, wic, foodstamps, heat asistance. there are probably a few more programs out there to help you,. Most of the senior citizens I know pay more for there Medicare than a lot of people that have chose to have several children, and most of those seniors never recieved one dime of assistance to help raise their families.

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Casey O.
11/02/2009 8:31 AM

Just reading the first sentence of Larrys first comment made me get up and walk away to calm down. I am still furious, so I will finish reading the comments later. Good grief.

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Carie L.
Granite Falls, MN     11/02/2009 8:25 AM

Larry - @ 755a - you hit it right on the head with that post, Larry.

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Taren S.
11/02/2009 7:06 AM

Thank you for this letter. I too found myself with the same question numerous times, when these "welfare fraud" cases stated that they knew he was illegal and could not work. Why wouldn't these illegals keep on coming in. We openly show that here in Kandioyhi county we will take care of those who break the law, make bad choices and then in return when caught in wrong doing our judges will give then a fine without having them pay any restitution. These people are stealing out of our pockets and now this County is telling them it's okay to do it. You are right welfare does need to be reformed and not just for the illegals. We do need to include those who chose to make welfare an income and not a stepping stone and those who continue to have children when they can not support them. I think this system of welfare would be great for those who have fallen on hard time and need a hand yet it sems as though it has become a handout instead of helping hand.

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