Welfare in S.C. gets low grade
Group finds state fails to get people funds in emergencies
South Carolina does a lousy job providing low-income residents with emergency funds to keep them off welfare rolls, according to a new report card on state welfare systems.
In "Welfare Reform After Ten Years," the Heartland Institute, a Chicago nonprofit that supports privatization of public services, said South Carolina ranked 34th in the country in how it runs its public assistance programs.
Maryland and Idaho did the best jobs reducing poverty and reforming welfare policies. Rhode Island and New Hampshire had the worst grades.
South Carolina was in the lower middle of the pack, scoring well in how it requires people on welfare to find jobs or take job-training courses.
But it scored an F on providing working welfare recipients with funds in emergencies. This is important, the group said, because such funds can help lower-income workers continue in their jobs and stay off welfare.
A local nonprofit, HALOS, regularly sees how this hole in the state's safety net affects people, said Kim Clifton, executive director. HALOS works with social workers, churches
and other groups to provide abused and neglected people with supplies and services, including those who might not qualify for welfare.
"Because of the lack of coordination and oversight, it's hit or miss in terms of who gets help," Clifton said, adding that although the state received an A for imposing work requirements, "we still have a child poverty rate that is extremely high, per the report."
Linda Martin, director of family assistance for the Department of Social Services, took issue with some of the report's findings and said the state does the best it can to provide emergency funds.
"It's always best to quickly solve a short-term problem to keep it from becoming a long-term one," she said. The state distributes $1.6 million in emergency funds a year to the counties. The problem, she said, is that people often need assistance the most when the economy sours, when the Legislature's budget is the tightest. Martin said the federal government recently issued policies that discourage expansion of these emergency programs.
The Heartland Institute report noted that since welfare reform began in 1996, welfare rolls have shrunk by 70 percent. The group describes itself as nonpartisan, but it says it has an agenda "to discover, develop, and promote free-market solutions to social and economic problems." The group has been criticized for its connections to the tobacco and petroleum industries and its position that there's no scientific consensus that human activities are contributing to global warming.
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oldglory (anonymous) says...
"Linda Martin, director of family assistance for the Department of Social Services . . . The problem, she said, is that people often need assistance the most when the economy sours, when the Legislature's budget is the tightest."
Well, doh, Linda Martin. Isn't that what financial aid is all about? When people are in need of help?
Sometimes when I read statements made by those who are in 'positions of power', so to speak, I have to wonder. Don't you?
August 6, 2008 at 7:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
This surprises anyone?
August 6, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
Evilgenius
Do you mean; when they wake-up, take a doobie hit, sip the cup of a soy latte with fat-free creama, attempt a 30 minute yoga session, and place their knees on the prayer rug for their daily Obamassiah chant?
August 6, 2008 at 8 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
Evilgenius
That about sums it up!
August 6, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Larz13 (anonymous) says...
Do you mean; when they wake-up, take a doobie hit, sip the cup of a soy latte with fat-free creama, attempt a 30 minute yoga session, and place their knees on the prayer rug for their daily Obamassiah chant?
Add to this, get in the Escalade, and head to Starbucks and park in the fire lane.
August 6, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
That also!
August 6, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
"Add to this, get in the Escalade, and head to Starbucks and park in the fire lane."
Sorry Larz13, you are getting confused, thats a conservatives.
August 6, 2008 at 9 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
martin (anonymous) says...
Early, you might be able to get this info from the DSS web site.
"But it scored an F on providing working welfare recipients with funds in emergencies. This is important, the group said, because such funds can help lower-income workers continue in their jobs and stay off welfare." HUH?? Help working welfare recipients stay off welfare? What kind of welfare are they on and what kind are they staying off?
If Linda Martin doesn't know that some county DSS offices sit on their emergency funds rather than help a client who, for example, has an overdue light bill because her husband has beaten her and she did the right thing and threw him out and she can't pay the bill alone on such short notice (lot's of DSS clients don't know that the light co. might try to work something out with them), she needs to get out in the field. Some Economic Service workers/supervisors don't want to help when they can.
Where did Heartland come from? How long has it existed? Where does it get it's raw data? Privatization of public services? Sounds like some of these out of control, unregulated non-profits to me.
August 6, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
Ahhh, the liberal one has awakened from her hemp-induced coma!
August 6, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drp7773 (anonymous) says...
Well like the headstart program, they hire the wrong people then hand them the money and never check what they are doing till the money runs out. What do you expect with all these programs not working.
August 6, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
I would rather be a pot smoking (which I don't do anymore)liberal, than a wife beating, alcoholic, redneck conservative (get er done bo)!
August 6, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ln1959 (anonymous) says...
EvilGenius posted:
thank you republican party class of 94 for forcing Bill boys hand to sign welfare reform. But alas, if Obama is elected our wallets will be raped and pillaged in the name of distribution of wealth.
Ha Ha Ha Ha..Typical Republican to take credit for something they did not do....ha ha ha
I mention this months ago and the Republicans in here thought I was smoking something, not they taking credit for it...ha ha ha
August 6, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
Newt,
You are bellying up to guidedbystewart? Thought you had more class than that.
August 6, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
I actually feel that welfare should not be used as a permanent crutch but as a tool for a person to get on there feet. We all have the obligation to work.
Many Republicans like to throw the welfare argument at liberals like it is our number one priority, but we were just as much involved with welfare reform as the republicans.
August 6, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
their feet (roofreading mistake).
August 6, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
EvilGenius, NPR did a good story on that this morning. They were talking about how in China the political freedoms that we normally associate with free enterprise economies haven't taken root. The people of China are free to invest money, start businesses and buy things, but they have no political freedoms.
August 6, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
The level of benefits, such as food stamps or assistance with the heating bills, should be based upon income. Unless one is physically or mentally not capable of working, then you base their benefits on what they make. If they're not currently employed then they should be required to demonstrate that they are actively seeking employment.
August 6, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
volsfan,
You have as much class as the CCSD does on the first day of class!
So like Newt to Evil, BITE ME!
August 6, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
As I have stated before, if it weren't for liberals, the world would be void of humor.
August 6, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AHLeland (anonymous) says...
I'm just proud to see SC not at the complete bottom of a list.
There isn't enough time in the day or space on this forum for us to figure out how to actually fix welfare. Not that intelligent discussion is the point of this forum; the point seems to be trading insults. Oh, and anyone who doesn't agree with me can bite me since that seems to be the phrase of the day.
August 6, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sc4peace (anonymous) says...
I am so sick and tired of close minded people assuming that because you feel a certain way about something- you are automatically a liberal. Views and opinions CAN be shared by both. I believe in God, but I also believe in helping anyone who needs help- the problem with welfare is that when you allow someone to have 6 babies, not work, sell drugs and buy FUBU instead of paying an electric bill- continuing to support them is not helping them- it is enabling them to be lazy, selfish idiots- we could "help" those by making them do it themselves.
August 6, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
sc4peace,
Actually, feeling a certain way about an issue can definitively group you as being liberal or conservative regarding that particular issue.
However, I do agree with the remainder of your post.
August 6, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
Great post sc4peace!
"As I have stated before, if it weren't for liberals, the world would be void of humor."
I have to agree with you there, a perfect example of horrible conservative comedian, Dennis Miller. Enough said!
August 6, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
BTW volsfan and most of you conservatives have the mentality that everything is either: black or white, liberal or conservative, right or wrong, and so on. But I will not hold it against you, It is the only way your feeble minds can comprehend things without complicating things too much.
August 6, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
Wow Stewart, you're up to 4 syllables now! Impressive!
August 6, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
Hi tripsa. I know I shouldn't feed the Troll, but I couldn't resist.
August 6, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sc4peace (anonymous) says...
I understand that opinions about abortion or gay marriage etc.. may definetely "group" you to one side- but what about those who truly agree with different points from different sides? I don't personally agree with women having abortions, but I also believe that it is not my right to tell someone what they can or can't do with their bodies- I think it's sad when some feel the need to observe and critique other's lives when not one person has walked in everyone's shoes...what gets me the most about Coservative Christians (not all, I don't want to group everyone)- is that they read their bible that says it is not okay to judge others, but they are so quick to do it- if you really feel like two gay men in love are going to hell- why do you care? Unless you are jumping on the ride with them then why does it bother you so much?
August 6, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
number1volsfan1 (anonymous) says...
I don't understand why those who will consistantly repeat the assertation of how mythical and hilarious the Bible is; and how "Bible-thumping Christians" are hypocritical; then, have the audacity to quote (from the same book) in which they label as fiction.
August 6, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sc4peace (anonymous) says...
1. I never said it was fiction
2. It's called education- just because you are educated on something, doesn't mean you believe it- I mean come on- half of the bible thumpers on here can repeat Darwins theory of evolution- and based on what you just said about being hypcritical- I believe you all fall in that category as well then.
August 6, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
Posted by sc4peace on August 6, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am so sick and tired of close minded people assuming that because you feel a certain way about something- you are automatically a liberal. Views and opinions CAN be shared by both. I believe in God, but I also believe in helping anyone who needs help- the problem with welfare is that when you allow someone to have 6 babies, not work, sell drugs and buy FUBU instead of paying an electric bill- continuing to support them is not helping them- it is enabling them to be lazy, selfish idiots- we could "help" those by making them do it themselves.
---------------
This is an excellent post.
August 6, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HighDef (anonymous) says...
was Coke boy Ravenal a DEM or REP ? It's so easy to pick out the know it all republicans on here, y'all are the only ones that can be labeled b/c you're so freaking lame. I'm a repuplican but I agree with what seems to be the only intelligent posters on here...Democrats. Govt agencies don't work efficiantly, get rid of welfare and section 8 housing...done.
August 6, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
volsfan,
I usually reserve my pedantic harangues for a person that has a greater mental capacity than you. So for you, I usually keep it short and sweet. Yet if you sincerely want to match wits with me, I would happily oblige.
August 6, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sc4peace (anonymous) says...
Thank you iceman1978-
I agree 100% about basing it on income. If you don't want to work, you don't get help
August 6, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
Newt, That's different. Being physically and/or mentally incapable of working is a different situation. I don't think anyone would say we should throw people like that into the street. At least I would hope not.
August 6, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
Newt, I meant to write able bodied people have the obligation to work, there are exception to the rule.
August 6, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
your right, able mind and body....there are exceptionS to the rule.
August 6, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sc4peace (anonymous) says...
I should have elaborated more- I meant people who are capable, but not willing to work-
August 6, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sc4peace (anonymous) says...
Newt- your child and other children who have disabilities should be the reason for welfare programs in the first place...that's humanity and being a good person- If your child is unable to work as an adult- I will gladly hand over my tax dollars to help her/him not only live a comfortable life, but an enjoyable life as well. That is what I mean by helping those who need and deserve it.
August 6, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
preachlove (anonymous) says...
"In "Welfare Reform After Ten Years," the Heartland Institute, a Chicago nonprofit that supports privatization of public services, said South Carolina ranked 34th in the country in how it runs its public assistance programs."
Maybe it's time to re-evaluate the program and make needed changes that would make it run more efficiently.
"Maryland and Idaho did the best jobs reducing poverty and reforming welfare policies."
Maybe it's time for South Carolina to call on Maryland or Idaho to find out what they're doing right and probably get a training program started.
August 6, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sc4peace (anonymous) says...
RW- maybe we are different on a lot of views- but as for welfare- you are right on.
August 7, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sc4peace (anonymous) says...
I pay taxes and work a full time job- I get no benefits fromt the state- So how would that make me SC4_a_piece? That made no sense..
August 7, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sc4peace (anonymous) says...
It's ok...I figured that :) I am just saying that while I believe people (disabled) that are truly unable to work and that is verified by the state are entitled to some help- however- I am not for helping those that are too lazy to work- or those that choose to breed more children than the Duggars- no thanks!!! Imagine the money we could save if we stopped supplying food, daycare and money to those who love to live off the state and breed criminals- then we could actually put the money where it needs to go- oh what a concept!!!
August 7, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sc4peace (anonymous) says...
I have a heart that's for sure- what I don't have is sympathy for pathetic, lazy scum who do nothing but cost us more money- that sympathy goes for the taxpayers who pay for these people to eat buffets every weekend.....and for the record: LOGICAL THINKING IS NOT REQUIRED TO REALIZE WHAT THESE PEOPLE ARE DOING IS DESTROYING OUR ECONOMY...COMMON SENSE IS ALL THAT IS NEEDED!
August 7, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sc4peace (anonymous) says...
I get heated about this subject- believe me EvilGenius- that anger was not directed towards you at all :)
August 7, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sc4peace (anonymous) says...
RW...You are too funny...
August 7, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JustJennings (anonymous) says...
The problem is not that our government spends too much trying to help people. The problem is that half of the money goes for corruption and incompetence. When one reports it, nothing is done. Things will never get fixed in this country until the government and government employees are held accountable.
August 11, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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