It looks AS IF Kansas legislative candidates have another important question to answer before Election Day: What is your plan to improve the health and wellness of our state’s youngest residents?
According to the recently released 2010 Kids Count Data Book, a state-by-state study on the well-being of children in the United States, Kansas is doing slightly better in some areas, but we have some serious work to do in others.
Ranked 13th in the nation overall, since 2000, Kansas continues to rank in the top 10 nationally on four indicators:
- Fifth in the percentage of teens not in school and
- not working.
- Seventh in the percentage of children without secure
- parental employment.
- Ninth in the percentage of children in singe-parent
- families.
- Tenth in the percentage of teens who were not
- attending school and were not high school graduates.
That’s not too bad. But that’s also not the whole story.
As the national infant mortality rate was falling between 2000 and 2007, it was rising in Kansas, from 6.8 to 7.9 percent. As a result, Kansas plummeted from a ranking of 29 to a miserable ranking of 40 when it comes to the death rate of our state’s babies. In 2007, 333 infants died in Kansas. With the exception of Oklahoma, whose infant mortality rate is slightly higher, Kansas’ infant mortality rate exceeds all our neighboring states.
And that’s still not the whole story.
According to the Data Book, the child poverty rate in Kansas is also getting worse. In 2008, 15 percent (about 100,000), of Kansas children were living in poverty, a 25 percent increase (20,000 more children) since 2000. And given the fact that the impact of the recession since 2008 hasn’t been calculated, the numbers are likely to be even higher today.
To make matters worse, according to the president and CEO of Kansas Action for Children, Shannon Cotsordis, the Kansas health leaders still haven’t determined a cause for the alarming statistics.
It seems to make sense that a higher rate of child poverty in Kansas and more families who are unable to afford or access proper prenatal care, may contribute to the high infant mortality rate in the state. But the cycle of poverty doesn’t stop there. Children who are raised in poverty continue to be at a significant disadvantage when it comes to their health, education and development as they grow up.
The implications of these startling statistics for our state’s future doesn’t seem promising.
Something’s not right here. Children born in Kansas deserve a stronger start. As new officials are elected this fall, on both the local and state levels, Kansas policymakers cannot ignore these alarming statistics.
Ashley Knecht Walker
Editor
LAZER (anonymous) says...
I would like to see a Poll on Sam Brownback: Is Brownback Queer? Is Brownback Straight?
August 19, 2010 at 11:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
The EG removed Steve Corbin's comment on Brownback. Is this Lazer's comment going to stay?
August 19, 2010 at 12:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Rather than wait for the government to step in and raise my kids, I think I'll do it myself. You're welcome.
August 19, 2010 at 1:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
Now I know why they call you seriouslyfolks-that was a great post.
August 19, 2010 at 2:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Yeah, I also have to question what part of any of this is the government's job? Once again, we see the national numbers determining what is poverty level. I wonder how farming is rated in the secure employment category or if it weighs in on the teens who aren't employed (but work on the family farm)?
As for the infant-mortality rate, what does it matter in a partial-birth abortion state? Obviously, we aren't interested in keeping babies alive. We also have tons of tiny towns scattered all over, very far from non-emergency medical care, full of residents who don't see a need to make a fuss over a pregnancy any more now than their parents, grandparents or great-grandparents did.
Still, though, what do you expect any politician to do about any of this?
"Children born in Kansas deserve a stronger start."
This word "deserve." Who decides where the deserving begins and ends? It's a great ideal to dream everyone deserves equal portions of greatness, but it just isn't possible in our world. It us up to each of us to improve or not upon how much or little we got. BTW, the term "disadvantaged" is also one of relativity.
August 19, 2010 at 4:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Thanks for raising your own kids, seriously. That's a good father. But honestly, don't forget the many, many who don't, who are drunk most of the time, who are stoned most of the time, who are just plain irresponsible all of the time, and who don't give a damn, ever. So many children are born to people who haven't the slightest idea about how to raise a child. They don't know how to prevent pregnancies, but they do know how to have sex. They live in a flipping vaccuum and by the looks of those figures, many of them live in Kansas. You'd think those figures would have come out of Appalachia, but no, they're right here in the Sunflower state.
By the way, those kids also need school supplies. I hope you will give a few bucks. I gave at Staples.
August 19, 2010 at 5:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Our government has always taxed responsible people who make the right choices to reward the irresponsible people who make the wrong choices. In fact, we have created a great social industrial complex whose bureaucrats decry the need for more "resources" to care for the children as they lobby congress to fund the future of irresponsible decision makers. The only way to stop the bad decisions is to let them starve. It sounds heartless but the offspring of irresponsible parents grow up to become irresponsible parents themselves. The government "Owes" them because they are "Entitled"! They did all the wrong things just like they are supposed to do to qualify for free handouts. They qualify and they know it. Their parents taught them that much anyway.
August 19, 2010 at 6:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
I should have said" their "Single Parents" taught them that much anyway. lol jmo and all that stuff...:-)
August 19, 2010 at 6:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I've got a way to help those Kansas standings out, and it doesn't involve starving anyone.
Give those disadvantaged a choice;
1. A one way bus ticket to Oklahoma for them and their spawn.
2. if they don't pick #1, brand a big "D" on their foreheads so we could all get to know those we are "helping"..
It could stand for any number of things.
Disadvantaged
Disabled
Dependant
Drunk
Druggie
Deadbeat
Dumba-_ _
What a cold heart I have.
August 20, 2010 at 6:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ToxicPink (anonymous) says...
Kids grow up to be like their parents because they are raised in an environment where that's all they see, and then people like you think you need to punish the parents rather then help the children who had to say whatsoever in their birth.
When you deny, you deny the kids. So rather then punish the parents and say GTFO welfare, you should be getting involved and showing kids that there are other ways. They can break the cycle, they can be something more, they can go to school, they can be successful.
If nothing is done for the parents and its all done for the kids, teaching them, helping them, mentoring them, tutoring them in school, helping them decide on a future, they'll have a better chance at a future.
If you don't do anything but tell them they're worthless and they're just doomed to be welfare bunnies than they'll be beaten down enough that's all they think they're good for and that's all they're do.
Everyone wants to focus on the parents and hate them. No one wants to step back, look at the kids and think about what they can do to get them on the right track without handouts, break them of that mentality.
August 20, 2010 at 8:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Now I am beginning to feel warm and fuzzy. Thanks
August 20, 2010 at 9:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ToxicPink (anonymous) says...
Now if only you weren't being a sarcastic smartypants eh Steve. =P
August 20, 2010 at 9:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
No really, my feet were cold and I put on some fuzzy socks. Warmed right up.
August 20, 2010 at 10:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Actually toxic pink ,
I am more concerned with the new unemployment figures just released. Over 8% for Lyon County?
Without people working and paying taxes these disadvantaged families will suffer even more. And with more unemployed there will be more needing.
Sigh.
August 20, 2010 at 10:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
esu42 (anonymous) says...
Aren't you supposed to be at work, ToxicPink?
August 20, 2010 at 12:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
"By the way, those kids also need school supplies. I hope you will give a few bucks."
My child is in public school. There is a list of supplies that we are supposed to buy and have our children bring. These supplies are not for our individual child's use only but they will be "distributed" equally among the students. Many parents "can't" provide these supplies or they choose not to. I always make sure my child has everything he is supposed to and brings it. I gave at the office, so to speak.
August 20, 2010 at 1:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
b3bill (anonymous) says...
I think a lot is already being offered to assist families in need.
The school lunches and breakfasts are offered at reduced/free rates to those financially qualified who bother to sign up at any time during the year. From June 1 to July 30, free breakfast and free lunch is offered to all children up to age 18 at several schools in Emporia. That is a lot assistance being offered (think tax dollars), but I don't believe many people realize how much it is. I've always had issue with a school serving breakfast, since I feel that is the responsibility of the parents to provide at home. However, it is part of the school meal program and is available to all.
Grace Methodist church has had a "back to school program" (I don't know it's actual name) to provide clothing, etc to children. This year's program was recently completed and was very successful, from what I've heard. Perhaps other places do similar programs. I also know there was a program at Grace Methodist to help children with homework after school hours. Once again, probably other places do the same, I only know about those I mentioned.
Don't forget there is a huge Government food assistance program that covers a significant amount of food purchases at the grocery stores for those who qualify. However, the term "qualify" is something open to interpretation. I've watched many who were using Gov't food assistance, yet when I saw them get into their cars, it looked like some had plenty of money for a rather pricey car.
I don't like seeing people in need. However, there has to be a cap to the amount of money taxpayers dump into these programs, and often it appears to just perpetuate the problem. The money coming in for assistance often amounts to more money the often-irresponsible individual has to waste, and the problem persists with not prioritizing the well-being of their children. All this "assistance" should only be thought of and used as a temporary resource, instead of building a lifestyle around.
August 20, 2010 at 1:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
seriously, This is something new to me. I had no idea they had changed the way they were handling the school supplies situation. Wow. When my grandkids and kids were in elementary school, you got the list and you bought the stuff for your child. Usually, social agencies had some kind of back to school project for school supplies. I had no idea it had changed.
Just saw coverage of school supplies on CNN showing this same thing in different states. Schools are asking for such things as paper towels, construction paper, typing/copy paper, and toilet paper. Wow, Used to be just Kleenex.
I must be out of the loop. Sorry.
Good post, Toxic Pink. Yes, we need to change the world view of these kids so they don't repeat their parents.
August 20, 2010 at 1:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
Yeah, this year I didn't need to buy a ream of paper for each of my kids. I did however, have to pick up dry erase markers and baby wipes along with all of my daughter's personal school supplies. Many things are "continuing supply" or "as needed". It really irked me, because I thought that was why all of our taxes were raised in the first place, to cover those sorts of things.
August 20, 2010 at 2:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
I have taken to telling the teacher if I have extra stuff to just let me know if it can be used and I will bring it to him/her, or give him/her the option to let me know if I can contribute any other supplies that get used up quickly or that maybe another kid didn't have. The teacher can tell me, "Hey, I need......if you have extras or would like to contribute." There is no need for him/her to tell me why it is needed. I am not the only parent who does this. I do it because I want to help and I would rather be able to do so as directly as possible when needed instead of them raising my taxes to essentially pay $5 for a box of crayons because they had to pay two employees and vehicle expenses for a program to do this.
It gets irritating, though, to be charitable and practical at the same time, but get told that I am selfish and uncaring about the disadvantaged because I don't want my taxes raised. Really, which will change the child's perception quicker? To learn of a private sponsor who is specifically helping them anonymously but they would probably recognize each other if told who they were, or a government program that supplies whatever it deems with no accountability from taxing (forcing) a bunch of nameless, faceless people who are probably strangers.
August 20, 2010 at 3:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Wow, just got up from my nap, (was wearing my fuzzy socks) and see that the comments on the thread "Listen to Him" are gone already. Henry were you bad?
August 20, 2010 at 3:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nks (anonymous) says...
The school lunch program is a joke. I know personally of a handful of people who make GOOD money in this town (more than my spouse and I) and they have somehow been able to manipulate the system into their children getting reduced or free lunches. A friend who worked for the USD brought to the attention of the school how she knew of several students whose parents were both supervisors at a local facility($100K per yer) and how they didnt see how it was possible their children could receive free lunches. She was told there just wasnt enough time to investigate everything.
You cant tell me that there are not dozens upon dozens of others doing the same thing.
Also, if more people would see the waste that goes into the trash especially at breakfast they would REALLY be irked.
The whole "continuing supply" list is getting longer. This year we had to even supply band aids.
I am a charitable person, but when will it stop? I am tired of buying a set of supplies for my children and then doubling our cost for the "continuing supply"
August 20, 2010 at 4:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
I too don't mind giving extra when I have it to give. It is when I'm told it is a necessity for their day to day and is on their list of school supplies, after the state just raised sales taxes by an entire percent to cover school shortcomings that I start to get fed up. Where is that money going? I'm not buying what they are selling.
August 20, 2010 at 5:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
nks:
The truth is that the schools want more reduced/free lunches because that gets them more funding per student. It is one of the places that the statistics that Ashley cited comes from about our poverty levels. Many of them, as you well know, are lies, but they will never be investigated because the lies are seen as a benefit to the schools. It all comes down to taxpayers scamming and cheating taxpayers at all different levels. My family qualifies for it as of last year, but I refused to apply for it this year because of all the dishonesty going on in it. By our not applying for it, we cancel out one of the applications that is a lie in our state statistics. I'm sure our school does not appreciate that, but I would cancel out more if I could to help restore honesty and integrity.
August 20, 2010 at 5:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Boom (anonymous) says...
Oh Boo Huu..... The truth is Emporia schools, and all of USD 253, and the rest of Kansas schools. Are failing us, look at it this way. They set us up to fail, they wantr us to ALL have As and Bs, and a C average dont exist. They dont teach us right. They tell us to get good grades but never say anything about getting a job. And when these schools do this its like putting a trip wire in the bathroom things are going to get messy. Us kids belive that if we arn't falling under the standard grades "As and Bs NOT Cs" that we cant make it. Not one teacher tells you. "Oh good job you got a c" And when they do that we seem to think we can't make it. And then then kids fall behind and fail and in the end result drop out. and when doing this getting a job is the last thing in there minds. Everything that goes wrong we can blame on the schools. I mean this came from a 7th grader.
August 20, 2010 at 10:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wichitawings (anonymous) says...
Designate Kansas Lottery Scratch ticket monies for education, then it won't cost so much to enroll kids in school. Other states use there lottery monies specifically for education and they have the best schools in the country.
August 20, 2010 at 11:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Boom. The best advise I can give you is this:
Never ask permission! Do what you believe is right. If things don't work out the way you hoped, ask for forgiveness. As long as they haven't denied permission, they must forgive.
August 21, 2010 at 1:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
What a load !
August 21, 2010 at 8:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporian (anonymous) says...
I have actually heard people braggin that their kids got free lunches. Thats what gets my blood boiling.
August 21, 2010 at 2:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Bragging about getting free lunches?
WOW, that's something to be proud of.
Is there a bumper sticker out yet?
"MY 6TH GRADER GETS FREE LUNCHES"
Now I know the school board likes to get as many as possible on the free or reduced program, they get more money from the state and the feds for that.
But that really looks good to prospective citizens and corporations looking to locate in Emporia.
Soon it will be 99% of all students in Emporia are at or below the poverty line and get subsidized meals at school. This is something we can all be proud of.
I've said it before but it needs repeating.
If we want our government to stop treating us like whores, we have to stop thinking of government as our pimp.
August 21, 2010 at 4:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
The bumper stickers could say "Wealth is getting redistributed to me .... Ha Ha Ha! Suckers!!!".
August 21, 2010 at 5:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
I say random drug testing for welfare, along with a six-year cap. I say six years, because that is how long it takes a motivated person with a full-time job to finish college.
I'm tired of hearing about multi-generational families who have never had a job, and have no desire to get one.
I feel the best way to keep people off of welfare is to significantly limit the amount they can get, i.e.- in your lifetime, you are allowed six years of welfare, that's it. Unless you're on drugs. Then you can reapply in six months.
I'm tired of seeing money being taken away from people who work long and hard for it to go to some lazy SOB who's never had a job in his life.
Matt
August 21, 2010 at 7:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
d23_66801 (anonymous) says...
hmm seems to me you guys have all the awnsers steve you and i will go side by side and go job hunting maybe you know of some new openings here in emporia or wait i think you have been complaining about buisnesses pulling out. you guys can get off ur high horse at any time and come back to reality.
August 22, 2010 at 6:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
d23_66801 (anonymous) says...
yes and one other thing steve while i get my food for free that allows me to come in to your bar and have some nice cold beers. you are part of the problem
August 22, 2010 at 6:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Matt, Good post. I like your ideas very much. So did Presdent Clinton in 1996. Where have we gone wrong? The states now apply for federal stimulus. Is this a cluster f--or what?
Here's something else that happened. The word "able-bodied" became the problem when tons and tons of people began filing for social security disability. While many of those claims are legitimate, many more are made by melingerers who have been bilking the system (you and me).
Has our state had the incentive to create jobs for people as the original bill intended? Ha!
WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Aug. 22) -- President Bill Clinton today signed a sweeping welfare reform bill that ends the open-ended guarantee of federal aid and shifts much of the responsibility for public assistance to the states. (288K WAV sound)
The measure, hammered out in Congress over the past several months, imposes a five-year limit on benefits, requires able-bodied recipients to go to work after two years, and gives states incentives to create jobs for people on welfare.
Clinton said it's far from perfect legislation, but will go a long way toward overcoming "the flaws of the welfare system for the people who are trapped in it."
The president told a White House gathering the legislation also should end the scapegoating and politicking that has surrounded the welfare debate for decades.
"When I sign it, we all have to start again," Clinton said. "And this becomes everybody's responsibility. After I sign my name to this bill, welfare will no longer be a political issue."
Hmmmph!
August 22, 2010 at 8:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
d23_66801
That is really rich. Blaming me and my bar for your problems. You and I could go job hunting all day and neither one of us could get a job. Me because of my health and age and you because of your attitude.
Where did you get that "EVERYBODY OWES ME" attitude?
Maybe the reason you have to get you food for free is because you spend your money in the bars, mine included.
I am in business to make money.
I do that by selling to RESPONSIBLE adults, (well it seems not all are responsible).
So if you cannot take responsibility for your financial problems don't blame me and my bar. You said for us to "come off our high horses and come back to reality"
The reality is if you need public assistance for you or your kids food, you shouldn't be in a f---ing bar.
Let me know who you are and I can help you with YOUR problem. You won't be welcome to spend your money foolishly with me. That way you can't blame me.
August 22, 2010 at 8:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
But Steve, maybe this d23_ dude did us a favor by helping us to understand the real problem with this ongoing-generation-to-generation gimme situation. You hit the nail on the head. It's something we all suspected, but now d23 has actually and finally admitted it. "Everybody owes me." You can add, "because I'm disadvantaged, poor me." Oh believe me, he'll never admit who he is and blow his cover for getting free food and using that savings in the bars and taverns instead. For every one of you, Steve, there are ten of him. Maybe more. Hey, he didn't post that message on an old Underwood.
August 22, 2010 at 9:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Matt Slater
after reading d23's post I must agree with you on the drug tests. There are some in this country who take no responsiblity for their actions and the resulting outcome.
I betcha d23 was one of those pushing for a smoking ban because they couldn't make their own informed decisions and wanted the government to do it for them.
So besides mandatory drug tests how about the "government" trys this: Refer to my earlier post about the Big D brand on the forehead. Then all bars and liquor stores would be prohibited by law from selling to anyone with the "D" brand on their forehead.
Grocery stores could sell no junk food to people with the D. No fast food for those with the D.
I mean if a person can't save themselves shouldn't the government do it for them?
Or does that sound too much like the wearing of patches on clothing?
August 22, 2010 at 9:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
create,
That post did trip my trigger.
If the d23 dude has lost their job then I am not completely unfeeling towards them. I know times are tough they are affecting us all. But laying the blame on me or other bar owners for their problems while crowing about free food is the height of "unreality". (is that a word)?
And I was being sincere in my offer of help. All d23 has to do is let me know and I will refuse them service so they don't spend needed money on a recreational non-necessity. I am afterall ,here to help.
August 22, 2010 at 9:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Taken from USD 253 WEBSITE:
2009-2010 Socio-Economic Status
Grade Free Meals Reduced Meals
Elementary (K-4) 54.0% 10.7%
Intermediate Schools (5-6) 60.3% 9.7%
Middle School 52.4% 11.9%
High School 49.5% 9.8%
District Total 53.1% 10.4%
2008-09 Food Service Statistics
Lunches Served Per Day 3,200
Breakfasts Served Per Day 1,200
Food Service Cost Per Meal $1.72
Free Lunch reimbursement rate $2.92
So that is 63.5% of all students in Emporia getting free or reduced lunches/breakfasts.
Seems high to me.
August 22, 2010 at 10:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Taken from wicki:
The median income for a household in the city was $30,809, and the median income for a family was $41,571. Males had a median income of $27,915 versus $20,946 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,157. About 12.4% of families and 17.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.6% of those under age 18 and 10.1% of those age 65 or over.
August 22, 2010 at 10:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
d23_66801 (anonymous) says...
steve i am not a avid bar person so no need to refuse service. I work hard 7 days a week. and do provide for my child. I am just allowing you to see things from the other persons side sometimes assistance is needed not for lack of trying but a lack of jobs her in emporia just because a person is on assistance does not make them any less a person.
August 22, 2010 at 12:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
But, Steve, where did that data originate? If it came from the incomes reported on the food service apps., then those are very inaccurate numbers. It may be true, but without some verification and with all the dishonesty, we can't know for sure.
d23:
No one here said that "assisted" automatically equals anything. The discussion was that many people who are getting assistance are doing so under false pretenses....like false numbers on school lunch financial assistance apps. I never read anything that indicates that no one needs help. Take the chip off your shoulder.
August 22, 2010 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
It all started when the constitution was amended to prohibit involuntary servitude. If we repeal the 13th amendment all these social programs could be eliminated.
August 22, 2010 at 2:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Repeal the 13th amendment?
We already have. It's called illegal immigration. And in 100 years, (maybe less) the children of the illegals will demand reparations from the government.
d23,
When you want to argue a point on here or anywhere else for that matter, argue the point. Don't throw out the blame to anyone who disagrees with you. As oh4 said we have been discussing the abuse and misuse of tax dollars by SOME on public assistance.
I know people on public assistance who truly need it.
I know more who are on it that are abusing the system.
And as I pay over 50% of what I EARN to various government entities to support those programs, I have paid for the right to bitch.
I am sorry if you are in need of assistance, many are in this economy. Those same programs will help with training/re-training for jobs that are in demand, If not here somewhere else. Have you considered training in health care or IT services? Plumbing, Welding or Electrical service? These are fields which will show growth in the future and as a result will pay good wages.
You are resposible for yourself and your child. You brought that child into the world, and until they are 18 or older you are responsible for their care. I don't mind giving a boost once in a while to those who need it. But it really upsets me, when some demand it forever or blame everyone but themselves for their problems.
August 22, 2010 at 5:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
There are many "couples" who will never get married because their freebies would come to a sudden stop. Their children have "Unknown" listed as the father on their birth certificate. If the "babies daddy" would have been listed, the State could go after him for financial support. Taxpayers pay to feed, house and educate the "family" leaving "Mr. Unknown" with plenty of cash for alcohol, drugs, and bling bling to attract more babies mamas.
August 22, 2010 at 5:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
There was a gal shacking with a big shot out at Dolly. She was getting food stamps and feeding herself, the kids and this big shot. We call the welfare office and we were told to mind our own business. We told the gal on the line since we were paying for her food stamps we were thinking this was our business
August 22, 2010 at 6:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
romano1784 (anonymous) says...
I remember when my wife was pregnant. She had to take maternity leave three months early due to strain and stress. This left just me working. We were falling behind on bills and money got pretty tight. I tried to get either cash assistance or food stamps, I told them this would be extremely temporary since I believe this should be a service for only those that need it. We were told that even though after bills we only had about 75 dollars a week for food, gas in the car, and clothing that we made too much money to qualify. My neighbors at the time had 7 adults all living in the same house. 4 worked at Dolly Madison full time and 3 worked at Tyson full time. All of them got cash assistance and food stamps along with help from the Salvation Army for rent on an all bills paid house. So I had to pick up a 2nd job moving furniture, while working a full time job for the city just so we could eat, buy clothing, and put gas in the car. Fair?
August 25, 2010 at 12:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )