Lamar Smith: “The welfare system in America has a problem and the great majority of Americans want to fix it. Since 2000, the amount…”

“The welfare system in America has a problem and the great majority of Americans want to fix it. Since 2000, the amount of Federal dollars spent on Medicaid that goes to able-bodied adults has increased 713 percent. The amount spent on food stamps for able-bodied adults has increased nearly 500 percent. These figures do not include seniors or individuals with disabilities. Every welfare dollar that is spent on able-bodied, working-age adults diverts resources from the very individuals the program was designed to help--the truly needy--and from other important priorities such as education and public safety. The solution is a work requirement. Able-bodied adults on welfare should be required to work, get training, or perform community service to receive benefits. An overwhelming 90 percent of voters support this reform, which could move 10 million able-bodied adults off of welfare. Those who can work, should. Work is essential to helping individuals regain their independence and self-worth. ____________________”