Universal Basic Income

[Collegelady2]

This is exactly the problem that I see with all these programs - that once you're on them, it just becomes too hard to get off. The way to get people out of poverty is NOT to throw more and more programs/money at them - that just reinforces the cycle of poverty, unfortunately. The way to get out of poverty is to get people on jobs. Realistically, not everyone who works will end up doing better - but you have to admit, that if you're actually working, there's a chance. If you stay on programs, there's no chance.

On a personal level, I have to say that there was one point in my life that I was contemplating joining the "gang". I watched how people who were on all the programs got Section 8, food stamps, Heap, and medicaid (or whatever it's called now). We were paying for all those things ourselves, including medical insurance. Adding up all this money, plus figuring out how much we paid in payroll taxes, transportation and other job related costs, I figured out that if my husband would take an "easier" job, with less hours (and would be closer so that transportation would be cheaper) we would actually come out ahead, money-wise. I really wanted to do it, but my husband said nothing doing. He said that he sees that people who start on programs just never get off, and he doesn't want that life.

So, my husband works 50 hours a week, and here I am, looking to get my degree so I can also work long hours Sometimes I really wonder if we made the right decision...

Can't really call it poverty in my opinion because most these people that are taking advantage of these programs are living quite well.