Jewish laws and traditions require that we help the needy and poor, whoever they are. According to Maimonides, the highest form of helping others is in ways that make them self-sufficient and preserve the recipient's self-esteem and dignity.
Over the past decade there have been many changes to the traditional welfare program in the United States. The alleged goals of these changes were to break the welfare cycle and help make people self-sufficient. These are laudable goals, however they must be tempered by safeguards that protect the needy, they must be coupled with appropriate programs and tools, and those who administer such programs must always show respect for the individual who is being helped.
JSPAN therefore calls upon all those involved at all levels of government to include the following features in any program dedicated to helping people trapped in poverty become self sufficient.
- Fully fund individualized assessments and related services such as training, job placements, counseling, rehab and other support services
- Make sure that work produces an income where people have dignity
- Assure that people participating in these programs have continued access to subsidized healthcare, food, housing, etc so as not to penalize them for their achievements
- Make certain that children are protected
- Recognize the practical limitations of balancing parenting and work, especially in families with pre-school children
- Assure that these principles are applied universally in each and all of our United States
These goals are not being met. Too many options are allowed to states. Too little money is provided for assessment and training and related activities. States are told to feed the poor or wean them from welfare, but not given the funding to do both. People are forced to lose their health benefits and other related safety nets before they are self-sufficient. Children and those who cannot care for themselves are placed at risk. We must do better as a nation. As Jews, we must strive for more.
The Welfare Policy Center is chaired by JSPAN board member Connie Beresin.
