Increased Rates of Welfare

By Robert Weiss

Sunday marked the first day of summer; as we head into July, our economy continues to weaken as welfare rolls across the country soar. 23 of the 30 largest states, which account for more than 88% of the nation's total population, see welfare caseloads above year-ago levels, according to a survey conducted by The Wall Street Journal and the National Conference of State Legislatures. It is no surprise that increases in welfare caseloads coincide with high unemployment rates. The biggest increases are in states with some of the worst jobless rates. Oregon's count was up 27% in May from a year earlier; South Carolina's climbed 23%, and California's 10% between March 2008 and March 2009. Americans are now reaching for help from the federal government when unemployment compensation runs out. [more...]