Session 9

 Policy

Responses

After watching the film "American Dream", it is now evident to me that most people who are in dire need of welfare are not "feeling" the benefits of being able to attain it. It also seems as if attaining the welfare does not really make a difference on one's daily life, considering that people who were asked about being on welfare in "American Dream" could not tell the difference between when they were or were not currently on welfare. Not only does being on welfare seem to not make any significant difference, but the criteria's behind being eligable for welfare are extensive and detailed, which makes it much harder for some people to attain it (such as immigrants).

Also, it seems as if the Welfare Reform has yet to benefit those on it. Which is why a more succcessful form of Welfare needs to be proposed. And although the EITC seems like an effective way to lift people (mainly children) from being poverty sticken, it is still lacking in some areas--hince the amount of people, children and families still in poverty.

Session Seven:

Poverty

And

                                                 Wages

Does poverty come from the minimum wage standard set for many employees, or does it come from the pure lack of people willing to work and attain what wage they are able to receive? Working a 9 to 5 job and only earning $6.94 does not seem as if it would suffice for an individual to live comfortably in the midst of society. Although people look at jobs such as janitor, retail clerk, and security as not being equivalent to a lawyer, doctor or engineer, but it is  the fact that these “lower class” jobs still require hard word and long hours; even if these occupations did not require one to attend school for several years. Now, I am not saying it is fair in any way to pay those who are doing a “non-needed degree” job by the same token to those who are well-educated; but I am still unsure to whether or not the minimum wage limit is adequate enough to get those in desperate need of a job by.  After doing extensive research on minimum wage jobs, it is clear that being able to get by with a job paying no more than $9.00 per hour is a struggle, and almost impossible if there is a family involved. One who is working a minimum wage job may find it at their best interest to work a TIP paying job, that way they are able to leave the day with solid cash in  their hand, opposed to waiting for their next “set” pay check. Having to rely on a minimum paying job to create a living and budgeting money to support one’s self or a family is and always will be a struggle.

Furthermore, this proves the reason why staying in school and becoming well educated is terribly imperative.