15. Summarize the changes made to welfare policies in the 1990s (see "A Closer Look", pg. 288-289). What effects do E&Z predict? What do you think? Given E&Z's arguments regarding the myths about poverty, how necessary was this "reform?" What may have really been driving it?

While I was growing up, I knew a couple of women who were on welfare and did nothing all day, their house's were a wreck, personal hygiene was not a priority, and they did drugs. When the welfare reform was passed, I was relieved. It made me greatful the government was making individuals take responsibility for themselves and the families they created. It allowed the parents enough time to attend school and get a degree in almost anything to improve the family life, or pound the pavement for 2 years. Anyone can find a job by then.

I believe the welfare system was too generous. These women had also been on the system for approximately 10 years already so by the time they would be forced off it, it would be a total of 15 years! While in the mean time, at 16, I was paying taxes to support them. Now, I'm not saying that poor families do not need government assistance, I'm just agreeing that it was too generous. My mother got food stamps for 1 year when she divorced my father but got off them as soon as possible, so she was not abusing the system. I receive WIC (women, infant and children) for my daughter and was on OHP when I had her and am still on it a year later, but I only get what I need and don't everything on the voucher just because I can. That is abuse and that is what the reform is stopping. Abuse. In the mean time, I work the nights her father does not, so there is no baby sitter or day caree, I cannot afford it and do not ask the state for money for that. I receive financial aid and I have student loans, but I am doing all I can to make my future, and my families, the best it can be. I believe everyone has that opportunity, they just have to find the right way.