To Reform Welfare

• Turn it over to competing private agencies, who are rewarded for getting people off welfare (like America Works).
• Require fathers be identified and pay child support.
• Set welfare benefits below the lowest wage in the region (so those on welfare have every reason to look for work. This was done in l9th century England).
• If they don’t find work, require them to work (in the private economy, volunteer or paid) in proportion to the welfare they receive. (Lost winter coats and broken furniture would mean more work.) Those with youngsters could work at places that provide child care. Work habits should come 1st, job training 2nd, and only job-related education 3rd.
• Require the older children maintain certain levels in school or do part time volunteer or paid work.
• Allow parents and children, after fulfilling the obligations above, to get side jobs and save money up to a point of self-sufficiency.

These steps would cut down on dependence, resentment, stigma, additional births, and moving to another state to get higher benefits.