While the arguments supporting these harsh guidelines render some truth, state officials should look more toward the basic purpose of welfare - to help improve the lifestyle of those less fortunate. State officials claim that any job is better than no job and they point to declining welfare rolls as proof that this approach is working. However, welfare advocates question these claims and the types of jobs those moving off welfare actually receive. According to these advocates, education is the answer, not a minimum wage job. Not only can a college education improve the chances of entering the work force, but it will also improve the chances of remaining in the work force. This is key so that past recipients do not have to depend on welfare whenever times get rough.
State officials also point to the fact that numerous students must work their way through college and that welfare recipients should not receive or expect special treatment. But most working students are not concerned with parenting, transportation, child care or food concerns while many welfare recipients are.
Until 1994, Michigan welfare recipients could attend college instead of looking for a job. It was not until after they received a college degree that work was strictly enforced with penalties of monetary sanctions. Currently, possible sanctions include a 25-percent cut in recipients' welfare checks and food stamps or complete cut-off after four months. The state should return to the pre-1994 welfare policy - its focus on education and then work should not have changed. The welfare guidelines should not abolish their concentration on working but should not be so stringent as to force students to work beyond what they reasonably can. It is an unfair expectation of welfare recipients, especially single parents, to continue their education, manage their children and work 20 hours per week.
A higher education embodies the hopes and dreams of many - today more than ever, a college degree is a necessity, not an added bonus. Welfare used to do its part to help those less fortunate realize this dream in a way most beneficial to the recipients. Today, welfare helps recipients realize this dream in a way most beneficial to state officials, passing political fads and the financial bottom line. Welfare must help those in need one way or the other - it is up to state officials to make it the right way.