[Byte1]

I agree with the poster that mentioned a "flat tax" for everyone, with no tax breaks. And that is including those making minimum wages. Minimum wages was never supposed to be a full-time job and career for family earners. It was meant for part-time, mostly high school kids so they could get some job experience. Nuff said on that.
On the other hand, welfare should be earned/EARNED. Everyone that accepts welfare should have to work for it. States/counties could have jobs set up such as road work, landscaping, trash removal, janitor, etc. and babysitting for gov workers needing childcare, filing, mailing, courier, maid work, etc. Even simple little jobs would give the welfare recipient some sense of respect. A form of work/job camp, only not centralized. Of course, housing could be provided for those needing temp housing along with the temp job for their welfare. Anyone wishing to further or progress could be allowed job hunting time (with proof) and/or job training or education. I would mandate this kind of action for anyone requesting welfare. Almost everyone could provide some useful trade for their gov hand-out. Why do people think that it is heartless to require an effort or work related trade for gov assistance? Very few recipients actually can not physically earn their gov assistance.