A general proposal to minimize welfare and poverty

Discussion in 'Political Opinions & Beliefs' started by Troianii, Dec 20, 2013.

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would you support such a proposal

  1. yes

    66.7%
  2. no

    33.3%
  3. unsure/abstain/something along those lines

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  4. other

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  1. Troianii

    Troianii Well-Known Member Past Donor

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    For students going to college we have subsidized and subsidized loans through a federal program. What I would suggest is that a government agency identify fields where significant growth is expected, or where there is a current need, and offer people subsidized and subsidized loans (maybe even small grants for those who show particular potential or need) to get training for a job. Such a 'path to independence' would be required for people on welfare.

    The idea is to get people off welfare, but not by making cuts, but by making them better able to support themselves. One example is for CNAs, certified nursing assistants. This isn't intended to be a path to riches for everyone, but to help people become more independent. Most CNA programs from my understanding only take a few months, and CNAs usually start out at around ten dollars an hour and can make decent wage growth with experience. This also gives people a foot in the door for related jobs and further training. RNs make a good deal more, and that isn't a really long and extensive program.

    This is an idea primarily to end 'the cycle.' Now obviously this isn't something that should only be offered to people entering nursing, but other fields where we know there is or will be a need. If I were to write a bill for such a program, it would preclude programs like art school (which don't provide any great measured boosts to incomes) and law schools (which rarely draw from people in poverty, and is currently an overcrowded field - bear in mind, this is where I want to go, and I'm proposing a program that would specifically exclude my intended career path). The idea is to identify fields with a current or future need and offer those on welfare a path to independence.

    Now this is just a rough idea, since I'm not a legislator and don't have any intentions of becoming one, but would people support such an idea?
     
  2. OldManOnFire

    OldManOnFire Well-Known Member

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    Does anyone know the demographics of those on welfare? For example, how many male and female, how many in each decade of age between 20 and 60, how many graduated high school, how many have 2 or 4 year degrees, how many live within 50 miles of major job centers, how many have true physical/mental limitations to hold a job, by age and gender what is average time on welfare, etc.? The stuff we will never know is their intelligence/capabilities or if they are lazy/energetic or if they truly want employment or not?

    I don't see how you can create your scenario above without knowing some information. For example, how many millions of Americans live in rural areas away from major job centers? You can give all of them an under-graduate degree in nursing and if they are unwilling to relocate to the job centers, it won't change a thing.

    Lastly, I don't agree with creating special conditions for those on welfare or any level; give everyone the identical opportunities! A public education through high school is available to all kids; some will succeed and others will fail. If we don't like the drop-out factory education we currently have, then why not change it so that it benefits everyone equally? One thing I do believe government should offer is public college education...100% paid by taxpayers...
     
  3. OldManOnFire

    OldManOnFire Well-Known Member

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    One other comment; is government welfare a problem if some form of productivity is received in turn for the welfare payment?

    For example, someone collecting unemployment, let's give them 10 free hours a week to search for a job and the other 30 hours they must volunteer in some capacity. We can use an assistant in every classroom, volunteers in libraries, government offices, food banks, park workers, etc.

    IMO if this concept is impossible to implement then I suggest most people on welfare simply do not wish to work...
     

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