Walker Wants to End Permanent Handouts

[Madison, Wisc…] During a speech to business leaders on Wednesday, Governor Scott Walker (R-Wisconsin) explained how previous administrations in Wisconsin measured success by how many people were signed up for government benefits. Walker’s goal has been making people self-dependent enough to get away from government handouts.

“Our goal in government should not be: how many more people can we get on these programs. Our goal in government should be just the opposite: how many people can we get off of them because we’ve empowered them to control their own lives, to control their own destiny, and move themselves and their families forwards,” Walker said.

As part of his budget proposal for the next biennium, Walker doesn’t want to see able-bodied childless adults needlessly depending on the government.

For people in that group collecting food stamps, they will have to find work or participate in a state-sponsored training program in order to continue collecting benefits. There are currently 75,878 people that would be affected by this.

“We’re going to give you the training you need so that when a job opportunity becomes available, you’ve got the skills needed to step right up and take that job offer,” Walker said. “We’re giving them dignity. We’re giving them the opportunity to get the skills needed to get a job and get back up on their feet again.”

Those collecting unemployment would have to look for work four times a week instead of two.

“If you want to get help in terms of unemployment compensation, we want to make sure you’re out hustling each and every week as much as reasonably possible to go out and find that job. We’re going to give you the skills and backing and the opportunity to do that, but you’ve got to work to make that happen as well,” Walker said.

Finally those in this group with incomes above the federal poverty level will no longer qualify for BadgerCare.

Walker says for people who have the ability to work, government social programs “should not be a permanent way of life.”

The governor makes his formal budget address next week. The legislature will then take his ideas into consideration when crafting the budget. It should be passed sometime during the summer.