The Sandspur

Issue date: 11/6/09 Section: Opinions

Media Credit: MCT Campus

While the nation has been captivated recently by the enormous costs of President Obama's proposed health care plan, the staggering costs of welfare have been left out of the discussion. Welfare accounts for approximately 11 percent of the federal budget each year, and this does not include Social Security, Medicaid, or Medicare. Indeed, when those figures are added the number reaches around 53 percent. Yes, 53 percent of our federal budget goes to welfare, Social Security, Medicaid, or Medicare. The Department of Defense on the other hand, often criticized for its large budget, gets a mere 16 percent. The time has come to trim the welfare budget.

It should be acknowledged that there is nothing wrong with the government providing a helping hand to individuals in times of need. However, there exists a major problem when a person becomes dependent on welfare and can no longer work for him or herself. Unfortunately, today too many people take advantage of the welfare program. In fact, many people have more children just so they can get a bigger monthly welfare check. If some reasonable changes were made to the welfare system, we could lower the deficit and help people get jobs.

First, individuals should be allowed no more than one year to be on welfare during the course of his or her life. A central database needs to be created so that those who receive welfare from state to state can be tracked and prevented from abusing the system. By limiting how long a person receives welfare, the government can continue to help those who have problems in their lives, but at the same time prevent people from abusing the system.

Second, individuals who receive welfare should be free from any substance abuse problems. Drug tests should be mandatory. It is a shame that welfare money that is supposed to help feed starving children is instead being used on illegal drugs. If individuals test positive for drugs, they should be penalized by losing their welfare. If individuals are not willing to submit to a drug test, then they should not receive welfare. If this seems a bit extreme, think about the rules for having a driver's license. If a person with a driver's license does not submit to a test for blood alcohol levels, then that person loses his or her driver's license. Welfare is a privilege, not a right.

Third, if a person is on welfare he or she should be required to participate in occupational training until he or she finds a job. In essence, instead of sitting around all day waiting for the welfare check to arrive, the person will have to take a class to better his or her occupational skills. Further, that person should be required to apply for jobs constantly while on welfare. It is important to remember that the goal of welfare is to get people back on their feet and active in the job market as productive individuals.

By making these three changes to the welfare system, the United States could save billions of dollars. American taxpayers could see their hard earned money stay in their wallets instead of being wasted; the deficit could be reduced. The idea of a helping hand is not a bad idea, but unfortunately the system is being abused and needs to be reformed.

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