We Should Borrow... Workfare
We Should Borrow... Workfare
by K. Bates
There are many things I think we (the U.S.) should borrow from different countries and states. One thing that I feel strongly about is workfare-- We should borrow workfare.
There are thousands of people on welfare. Most of these people are completely capable of working. What’s the point of working if you’re receiving free money? Workfare is a program started by President Clinton. This program gives those on welfare jobs to do in return for their welfare money. Most workfare recipients are placed in city agencies and do jobs like sweeping streets, cleaning parks, and performing clerical tasks. Many recipients are also placed in non-profit organizations to assist them in whatever they need done. Some places that implement this program are New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Maine, and Canada.
I think that all states should implement this program. I work two jobs and go to school full time. I work very hard for my money, only to have some of it taken out for those on welfare! Most of which, by the way, are capable of getting and maintaining a job. Workfare benefits these people by giving them a job. The job that they get, in turn, provides them with experience and a work ethic that can later get them a better job. By getting a better job they can ultimately get off welfare.
Also, workfare benefits the city. By giving these recipients jobs such as sweeping the streets or cleaning the parks, the city becomes a cleaner and more appealing to live in.
As mentioned before, I do not think it fair that people work so hard for their money, only to have some of it taken away to help support people they do not even know. But, I do believe that there should be one exception to workfare. If someone is mentally or physically disabled, has some sort of illness, or is taking care of a loved one with an illness, then they should be exempt from workfare-- These people should be able to receive their welfare money without having to work.
As you can guess, there is quite a bit of controversy over the workfare issue. Many people feel that workfare is a type of slave labor. They feel like these people are not getting paid enough for the jobs they do. They are saying that bosses lower wages because they know that these people desperately need to work. So, these recipients are getting paid less than they would if it was a normal job that workfare did not place them in.
The jobs that workfare recipients are doing used to be paid at a rate three to five times the amount they receive. People against workfare are also saying that regular workers are being fired and replaced with workfare workers because they are cheaper to employ. They also say that workfare does not take children in account. Because parents are put to work, care-taking burdens are increased. These people also say that workfare is expensive and generates additional costs. So, there are many different thoughts on workfare and whether it is right or wrong.
Despite the controversy on workfare, I believe that it is a fair way to disperse welfare. People are not motivated to get out and get a job if they are receiving money for just sitting around. Workfare gives people a chance to get work experience, develop skills, and network. Workfare can ultimately help people get off of welfare. It benefits everyone; the person on workfare, the city, and the people living in the city. Workfare can help lower our poverty level. It is a good idea that every state has workfare. People should not be given free money if they are perfectly capable of working. It is not fair for those of us that do work. Everyone else works for their money--why shouldn’t they?
---K. Bates, May 2004---
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