President Donald Trump’s administration announced on Wednesday that it will require work for welfare recipients. The move marks a return to 1996 requirements partially revoked under the Obama administration.
President Obama allowed states to apply for waivers eliminating the requirement that those applying for welfare were working or looking for work.
“The waiver option offered by the Obama administration is being replaced today by an expectation that work should always be encouraged as a condition for receiving welfare,” said acting Assistant Secretary for Children and Families Steven Wagner.
In Kansas, the Brownback administration welfare-to-work policies proved a success. Hopefully the federal policy will see similar results.
During Brownback’s term, Kansas families who left welfare saw their earnings double, outpacing what they would have received when their previous earnings and welfare benefits were combined. Brownback’s policies resulted in able-bodied adults finding employment.
According to the Washington Times, only Ohio bothered applying for a waiver eliminating the welfare work requirement. Its waiver was denied.