Chip Howard for AZ Governor Campaign Committee
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PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
We have a moral obligation to assist our fellow citizens who do not have the ability to protect and care for themselves. That includes children, at-risk seniors and those not blessed with a sound body or mind. Further, any of us may have an unfortunate desperate situation that could be stabilized with some very-temporary help.
Otherwise, we are obligated to care for ourselves. Such personal responsibility is fundamental in the American character. We are currently experiencing a job expansion in this country. So, the jobs are there for those who want them and are willing to make themselves of value to an employer. Perhaps a certain available job is not what a particular person aspires, however, that job is an entry point into the workforce, to personal empowerment and to dignity. As Governor, I will reform public assistance which today is destroying the fabric of our families and communities.
We have a moral obligation to assist our fellow citizens who do not have the ability to protect and care for themselves. That includes children, at-risk seniors and those not blessed with a sound body or mind. Further, any of us may have an unfortunate desperate situation that could be stabilized with some very-temporary help.
Otherwise, we are obligated to care for ourselves. Such personal responsibility is fundamental in the American character. We are currently experiencing a job expansion in this country. So, the jobs are there for those who want them and are willing to make themselves of value to an employer. Perhaps a certain available job is not what a particular person aspires, however, that job is an entry point into the workforce, to personal empowerment and to dignity. As Governor, I will reform public assistance which today is destroying the fabric of our families and communities.
Already, welfare in Arizona has a one-year lifetime limit and benefits of other assistance programs are not as generous as in most other states. Regardless, there are a lot of people in Arizona who do not contribute. Many simply game the system to receive assistance that they should not qualify for. Unfortunately, we do not have enough of an enforcement system to put a dent in the abuse. We can not, and should not, squander our resources on people who fraudulently collect public assistance or prefer to not work. As Governor, I propose that Arizona initiate a serious enforcement mechanism so that we can preserve our generosity for the people who genuinely need and deserve our help. The savings from this fraud prevention will far exceed any costs of enforcement, not to mention the other social benefits that will follow from an enhanced productive culture.
Already, welfare in Arizona has a one-year lifetime limit and benefits of other assistance programs are not as generous as in most other states. Regardless, there are a lot of people in Arizona who do not contribute. Many simply game the system to receive assistance that they should not qualify for. Unfortunately, we do not have enough of an enforcement system to put a dent in the abuse. We can not, and should not, squander our resources on people who fraudulently collect public assistance or prefer to not work. As Governor, I propose that Arizona initiate a serious enforcement mechanism so that we can preserve our generosity for the people who genuinely need and deserve our help. The savings from this fraud prevention will far exceed any costs of enforcement, not to mention the other social benefits that will follow from an enhanced productive culture.
Efforts to reform our public assistance programs will be guided by the following principles.
Allowing perpetual dependency in lieu of effort harms those that it proposes to help.
The assistance system should promote intact families with inescapable responsibilities for both parents. The system should not penalize marriage.
The system should promote, and demand, accomplishment with self-sufficiency as the outcome.
Arizona citizens should not bear the burden of supporting recently-arrived citizens from out-of-state that have not yet contributed to the Arizona economy.
Combat veterans who endure difficulties as a result of their service to our country have earned our helping hands.
Efforts to reform our public assistance programs will be guided by the following principles.
Allowing perpetual dependency in lieu of effort harms those that it proposes to help.
The assistance system should promote intact families with inescapable responsibilities for both parents. The system should not penalize marriage.
The system should promote, and demand, accomplishment with self-sufficiency as the outcome.
Arizona citizens should not bear the burden of supporting recently-arrived citizens from out-of-state that have not yet contributed to the Arizona economy.
Combat veterans who endure difficulties as a result of their service to our country have earned our helping hands.
Chip Howard for AZ Governor Campaign Committee
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