[jhynesrockmtn]

This is hugely complex issue. I run a program administering benefits for folks on "welfare" basically. The direct federal disability based kind (SSI and Medicare) not TANF. There are many issues intersecting but the vast majority that we see due to cognitive issues, drugs/alcohol, mental illness, criminal record, I would say are not capable of operating in a normal employment environment. This doesn't mean they couldn't be occupied in some type of crew/group based work, cleaning up graffiti, parks, streets, homeless encampments, etc.

Many can no longer go into various housing programs because of a criminal record, on going drug/alcohol use or just the anxiety of being surrounded by folks who are unstable , etc. I hear a lot of stories from folks trying to get "cleaned up" that are continually immersed in bad environments and surrounded by folks engaging in the behaviors they are trying to avoid.

The asset and income restrictions in these programs are big barriers to work. If folks could earn more and keep more of their benefit and assets on a sliding scale, the ones who could work would do so and the social and economic impact would be greatly reduced. Federal and state asset restrictions set at $2,000 produce a lot of stupid spending decisions vs. allowing folks to save for what a realistic deposit/1st months rent and living costs would be.

The long term issues are more complex. Housing costs skyrocketing, generational poverty and drugs/mental illness, etc. When I see folks on public assistance who the govt. has deemed unable to work coming in to pick up their checks with a couple of babies in tow, that brings me down more than anything else we deal with at work. More likely than not, those kids will be standing in these lines as they get closer to adulthood. Solve that one........