From welfare to self-sufficiency

A decade after the U.S. enacted major welfare reforms, nearly a sixth of all Americans are still relying on government services for the poor.

Direct cash payments have dropped sharply, but public assistance in the form of food stamps, Medicaid and disability payments have climbed.

Setting limits on cash payments was the right thing to do. The old system fostered dependence. But helping people reach real economic independence -- being able to fully support themselves and their families, have reliable health care, enjoy long-term economic stability -- takes a much wider and longer view.

To aspire to more than entry-level jobs, which often come without benefits, the working poor need educational opportunities and common-sense support. They need places to work on both the skills they'll need on the job, and the skills they'll need to get the job, such as resume-writing and interviewing.

They also need the basic financial skills any family needs to create a stable family life, such as budgeting, long-term planning and running an efficient household.

Hamilton County is very fortunate to have ACT -- Accountability and Credibility Together -- a program that helps families get off welfare and then helps keep them off welfare by offering them support, counseling, educational opportunities and long-term partnership.

In the long run, it's programs like these that move us from wishing people off welfare to helping them work their way to self-sufficiency.