|
|
Kimberly McKay
Candidate for
|
Welfare ReformEveryone needs some assistance occasionally, some to expand a business, others for day-to-day subsistence. There was a time in my life when I was in the latter category. Yes, I have been on the system so I know it from the inside. Please keep this in mind as you read what I have to say about my ideas on welfare reform and how to fix a system that I believe is not working very well.It bothers me when people use their welfare money for alcohol, gambling or drugs. This is not an appropriate use of money intended for food, clothing and shelter, and something needs to be done about it. I know that this is not true in all cases but it seems to be happening more and more. In my daily occupation as a cab driver, I hear what is going on because people tend to say anything in front of cab drivers without thinking twice about it. We hear the real thing out there, not the glossed over version you get in the board room. With the technology we have today it is not necessary for people to get cash on the system as almost everything can be put on the EBT cards that people are using now. The only exception is washing clothes and cabs when needed however those minor things can be dealt with quite easily if we wanted to change them. Another thing that gets to me is when I hear people say that they refuse to work for minimum wage, as it's a waste of time. Well, I worked for minimum wage: I cleaned rooms at a local hotel, I worked as a cashier at a fast-food restaurant and built up my resume. I went out and got better jobs and worked hard to get off the system. Is it easy? Absolutely not. Can it be done? Most definitely; I am proof of that. In my opinion we are enabling people to remain the way they are. We are not pushing people to be self sufficient and productive members of society. I think these are things we have to address and since I am the person who can see it from both sides I can be the one to stand up and say it. I'm not patting myself on the back but I want you to know why I feel I can say the things I say. I suspect other politicians will avoid this issue because they more than likely will get torn apart by saying it the way it really is. I have many ideas how this can be changed but it also ties into economic diversity as well as juvenile reform (breaking the vicious circle) and foster care reform.
|