7/15/25

Today, the federal deficit is nine times higher than it was in 1996. The federal debt is four times as high and welfare spending is nearly three times what it was in 1996. Meanwhile, the welfare “reform” in the current budget bill requires only 20 hours of work per week for able-bodied persons to receive benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. While the 1996 legislation signed by Bill Clinton, required 30 hours of work per week. Like current levels of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security spending, it’s a necessary but unsustainable program at this level.