$3,000 per month

[Bay Kid]

Did I hear correct that starting in July the govern will pay $3,000. per month, per child, for the poor?

[Carla B]

No, per yesterday's newspaper, it is $3600. per year or $300.00 per month per child through age 5, then $3000.00 per year or $250. per child ages 6 through 17.

[gatorbill1]

I believe it is actually a tax credit paid in advance instead of next year when taxes are paid.

[Stu from NYC]

Lucky for us the govt has plenty of money so they can just give it away.

[stan the man]

Should be $5000 per/year

[valuemkt]

It is the new economy.. Get paid stimulus money to sit on your butt and watch netflix. When you;re bored watching TV you can get paid for making babies ! Put's new meaning to the value of HARD work.

[retiredguy123]

I believe it is actually a tax credit paid in advance instead of next year when taxes are paid.
Is it still called a tax credit even if you don't owe any taxes?

[Aces4]

Is it still called a tax credit even if you don't owe any taxes?

They will probably mail them a refund check, lol.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Always good to start a trouble thread with wrong information and it would be nice to use the word working poor and that includes a lot of people , if it works properly it could cut child hunger and needs by 50%

[milling73]

We all know how well gov subsidy programs work..like every other hand out program- money will go towards frivolous or wasted purchases for the adult and not change the food or well being status of the child - not one iota

[jimjamuser]

It is the new economy.. Get paid stimulus money to sit on your butt and watch netflix. When you;re bored watching TV you can get paid for making babies ! Put's new meaning to the value of HARD work.
Pretty good joke! I don't have a problem with government payments for up to 2 children - but 2 ONLY, NOT more. If you have more that is your problem. The government should only encourage 2 children. The US needs to control its population based on "quality of life" calculations. Too much population is a BAD problem. There is probably a population number that maximizes "quality of life". That number needs to be calculated and then tax and immigration policy should be adjusted to achieve that population. The US population density and natural resources are limited. We don't want to end up like India and China!!!!!!!!!!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

It is the new economy.. Get paid stimulus money to sit on your butt and watch netflix. When you;re bored watching TV you can get paid for making babies ! Put's new meaning to the value of HARD work. and getting stimulus money , did you give it all back or give it away , I gave every dollar away , passed out $100 bills to all the waitstaff at places I go and people who I see every day at stores and to Salvation Army this was on top of my normal charity donations , not looking for praise , but for all of us who have been lucky enough to do well no matter how much you give we all could do more

[golfing eagles]

We all know how well gov subsidy programs work..like every other hand out program- money will go towards frivolous or wasted purchases for the adult and not change the food or well being status of the child - not one iota

Yes, but think of the increased revenue for liquor stores, lotto tickets, beer sales, casinos, crack dealers and prostitutes!

[Two Bills]

Stop Press.

Karex files for bancruptcy
Huge rise in birth rate.

[Number 10 GI]

Should be $5000 per/year

If a person can't afford to provide for their children then they shouldn't have any.

[Number 10 GI]

Pretty good joke! I don't have a problem with government payments for up to 2 children - but 2 ONLY, NOT more. If you have more that is your problem. The government should only encourage 2 children. The US needs to control its population based on "quality of life" calculations. Too much population is a BAD problem. There is probably a population number that maximizes "quality of life". That number needs to be calculated and then tax and immigration policy should be adjusted to achieve that population. The US population density and natural resources are limited. We don't want to end up like India and China!!!!!!!!!!

U.S. population growth has been falling for a long time now.

U.S. population growth less than 0.5 percent as immigration and birth rates drop, new report says (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/u-s-population-growth-down-immigration-birth-rates-drop-new-n1108816)

[golfing eagles]

Should be $5000 per/year

should be ZERO

[Aces4]

and getting stimulus money , did you give it all back or give it away , I gave every dollar away , passed out $100 bills to all the waitstaff at places I go and people who I see every day at stores and to Salvation Army this was on top of my normal charity donations , not looking for praise , but for all of us who have been lucky enough to do well no matter how much you give we all could do more


I don’t know everyone else’s circumstances at this point but ours had nothing to do with “ luck”. I wish all those “unlucky” people would have had to follow most of us around and performed the work we did to see what constitutes “luck”. Granted, there are families who have had their hard work devastated by illness. They definitely need and deserve a hand up. The rest can reap what they produce from their labors as far as I’m concerned. If a woman bears a child neither she or the child’s father can support, sterilization for both would be an excellent solution. I love children and they deserve far better than being born into a life with incompetent parents.

[jimjamuser]

and getting stimulus money , did you give it all back or give it away , I gave every dollar away , passed out $100 bills to all the waitstaff at places I go and people who I see every day at stores and to Salvation Army this was on top of my normal charity donations , not looking for praise , but for all of us who have been lucky enough to do well no matter how much you give we all could do more
I'll give you praise for giving it away. That is a great thing to do. I shop at Salvation Army every chance I get.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Yes, but think of the increased revenue for liquor stores, lotto tickets, beer sales, casinos, crack dealers and prostitutes! and then you realize you have to lower your expectations even more

[Topspinmo]

Lucky for us the govt has plenty of money so they can just give it away.


Yep, reward for having children you can’t afford. Why should someone be rewarded for personal choice. Looks like the singles will get shaft again.

[Topspinmo]

It is the new economy.. Get paid stimulus money to sit on your butt and watch netflix. When you;re bored watching TV you can get paid for making babies ! Put's new meaning to the value of HARD work.

It’s called paying for or buying votes.

[Topspinmo]

Always good to start a trouble thread with wrong information and it would be nice to use the word working poor and that includes a lot of people , if it works properly it could cut child hunger and needs by 50%

Right......

[jimjamuser]

U.S. population growth has been falling for a long time now.

U.S. population growth less than 0.5 percent as immigration and birth rates drop, new report says (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/u-s-population-growth-down-immigration-birth-rates-drop-new-n1108816)
OK thank you for that comment. That is a good thing. But, I take it a couple of steps forward by saying that the maximum "quality of life" for the resources of the US just MIGHT (?) (when calculated) turn out to be as low as a population of 275 million people. We may currently be WAY above the IDEAL population. That IS what I am suggesting. And I realize that I am an outlier with this opinion. Nevertheless, I am sticking with my opinion!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I don’t know everyone else’s circumstances at this point but ours had nothing to do with “ luck”. I wish all those “unlucky” people would have had to follow most of us around and performed the work we did to see what constitutes “luck”. Granted, there are families who have had their hard work devastated by illness. They definitely need and deserve a hand up. The rest can reap what they produce from their labors as far as I’m concerned. If a woman bears a child neither she or the child’s father can support, sterilization for both would be an excellent solution. I love children and they deserve far better than being born into a life with incompetent parents. you never lost a job and then got a better one ,, I know educated people for one reason or another never got ahead , I also grew up in a very tough neighborhood not a lot of success stories even for the ones that tried hard , and to generalize that all the working poor don’t care for there children and want a better life is ridiculous, we also better help these children because with the birth rate declining who will pay into social security Oh I forgot many of us won’t be around so why should we care . I know of someone hadn’t cared enough to get me out of reform school and get me into the Army I would have ended up in the trunk of a car or prison like many of my Boston friend so yes I had a lot of luck

[Topspinmo]

Pretty good joke! I don't have a problem with government payments for up to 2 children - but 2 ONLY, NOT more. If you have more that is your problem. The government should only encourage 2 children. The US needs to control its population based on "quality of life" calculations. Too much population is a BAD problem. There is probably a population number that maximizes "quality of life". That number needs to be calculated and then tax and immigration policy should be adjusted to achieve that population. The US population density and natural resources are limited. We don't want to end up like India and China!!!!!!!!!!

China booming, we sold out to them 60 plus years ago and they been buying up American, world, “P”, colleges deans, soon Chinese will be third language behind Spanish and English. CCP not stupid like out career congress members that we vote in again, and again, and again. they don’t give they’re money away without strings attached.


Shouldn’t be reward for there choice of having children. Singles pay higher tax rate, IMO it “P” word. IMo that’s what wrong with tax system to many rewards. Should be flat tax with NO deductions/credits, but that’s not the American way when 1% decides who pays how much with lawyers in hand.

[Topspinmo]

you never lost a job and then got a better one ,, I know educated people for one reason or another never got ahead , I also grew up in a very tough neighborhood not a lot of success stories even for the ones that tried hard , and to generalize that all the working poor don’t care for there children and want a better life is ridiculous, we also better help these children because with the birth rate declining who will pay into social security Oh I forgot many of us won’t be around so why should we care . I know of someone hadn’t cared enough to get me out of reform school and get me into the Army I would have ended up in the trunk of a car or prison like many of my Boston friend so yes I had a lot of luck

Not special lots of us had to move on to create better life. Sometimes you have to go where jobs (in you’re case was army which opens up other door’s if you can take orders, some can’t) are or leave momma’s skirt to break out on you’re own. I agree low percentage that’s stuck but they made bad criminal choices.

[jimjamuser]

you never lost a job and then got a better one ,, I know educated people for one reason or another never got ahead , I also grew up in a very tough neighborhood not a lot of success stories even for the ones that tried hard , and to generalize that all the working poor don’t care for there children and want a better life is ridiculous, we also better help these children because with the birth rate declining who will pay into social security Oh I forgot many of us won’t be around so why should we care . I know of someone hadn’t cared enough to get me out of reform school and get me into the Army I would have ended up in the trunk of a car or prison like many of my Boston friend so yes I had a lot of luck
A good story!

[Topspinmo]

OK thank you for that comment. That is a good thing. But, I take it a couple of steps forward by saying that the maximum "quality of life" for the resources of the US just MIGHT (?) (when calculated) turn out to be as low as a population of 275 million people. We may currently be WAY above the IDEAL population. That IS what I am suggesting. And I realize that I am an outlier with this opinion. Nevertheless, I am sticking with my opinion!

It would be good thing if accurate? Millions not being counted IMO.

[Number 10 GI]

OK thank you for that comment. That is a good thing. But, I take it a couple of steps forward by saying that the maximum "quality of life" for the resources of the US just MIGHT (?) (when calculated) turn out to be as low as a population of 275 million people. We may currently be WAY above the IDEAL population. That IS what I am suggesting. And I realize that I am an outlier with this opinion. Nevertheless, I am sticking with my opinion!

A good start towards reaching 275 million would be to deport the estimated 14 million illegals living in the U.S. and stop the flood of new ones illegally entering the country.

[Stu from NYC]

A good start towards reaching 275 million would be to deport the estimated 14 million illegals living in the U.S. and stop the flood of new ones illegally entering the country.

Not going to see the flood of new illegals being addressed now but no way do the illegals already here get deported.

Do not understand how we do not control our own borders.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Not special lots of us had to move on to create better life. Sometimes you have to go where jobs (in you’re case was army which opens up other door’s if you can take orders, some can’t) are or leave momma’s skirt to break out on you’re own. I agree low percentage that’s stuck but they made bad criminal choices.I started out with the first foreign para battalion in Vietnam in 1954 and with the first para regiment in Algeria before I saw American Army so I’m paying for the luck I had with both army’s and the the 30 something years I had as a civilian helping to keep bad governments in power or to put bad rebels into power according to where the political winds of the west were blowing I don’t know why it never made me crazy hmmm or maybe it did lol

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

So I'm seeing a whole lot of posters here who obviously are in favor of a woman's right to a safe, legal abortion, right? Because - if (as you all insist) a woman who can't afford a baby shouldn't have one - well if she gets pregnant anyway, she should be permitted to not have it.

[Aces4]

you never lost a job and then got a better one ,, I know educated people for one reason or another never got ahead , I also grew up in a very tough neighborhood not a lot of success stories even for the ones that tried hard , and to generalize that all the working poor don’t care for there children and want a better life is ridiculous, we also better help these children because with the birth rate declining who will pay into social security Oh I forgot many of us won’t be around so why should we care . I know of someone hadn’t cared enough to get me out of reform school and get me into the Army I would have ended up in the trunk of a car or prison like many of my Boston friend so yes I had a lot of luck

You do realize if there weren’t so many handouts to dole out to the the people having children they don’t know how to raise, can’t support and live the on the public tit, there would be more than enough money for your social security benefits. Strong, two parent families go a long way toward keeping their children out of prison.

[Aces4]

So I'm seeing a whole lot of posters here who obviously are in favor of a woman's right to a safe, legal abortion, right? Because - if (as you all insist) a woman who can't afford a baby shouldn't have one - well if she gets pregnant anyway, she should be permitted to not have it.

Yeah right, because the decent option of putting your knees together, sitting up and saying no is much worse than killing a baby. To say nothing of all the other options; the pill, IUD’s, condoms, foam, tubal ligation, etc. that are available. Just step up and murder your mistake.:ohdear:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Yeah right, because the decent option of putting your knees together, sitting up and saying no is much worse than killing a baby. To say nothing of all the other options; the pill, IUD’s, condoms, foam, tubal ligation, etc. that are available. Just step up and murder your mistake.:ohdear:

ALL those options can fail. Tubal ligations are not considered reversible. How about all you males just get vasectomies when you hit puberty, and get them reversed when you can prove you're able, ready, and willing to be responsible for the life YOU create in someone else's womb.

If you're not willing to do that, then you really have no business telling women what they should or should not do with their own bodies.

[Aces4]

ALL those options can fail. Tubal ligations are not considered reversible. How about all you males just get vasectomies when you hit puberty, and get them reversed when you can prove you're able, ready, and willing to be responsible for the life YOU create in someone else's womb.

If you're not willing to do that, then you really have no business telling women what they should or should not do with their own bodies.

I couldn’t agree more. However, it’s the woman who ultimately decides to take the risk, have unprotected sex and then proceed to kill the baby when pregnancy occurs. More than one type of birth control can be employed at the same time. NO is fail proof.

[tsmall22204]

Thank you, refreshing to get the straight news. Why do people post what they don't know? Some people always seem to want to start problems.

[Lil GTO]

Plenty of OUR MONEY!


Lucky for us the govt has plenty of money so they can just give it away.

[Girlcopper]

It is the new economy.. Get paid stimulus money to sit on your butt and watch netflix. When you;re bored watching TV you can get paid for making babies ! Put's new meaning to the value of HARD work.
Exactly. What a life nowadays. Sit your fat butt home, collect your undeserved govt checks and as a perk......if you pop out a few kids, youll get more money!! Cant beat that!!

[FromNY]

When will the government start to give to the elderly who are at poverty level? Or how about the single person without family? They need help too? Yes feed the children but not with money. Give them education to grow food. Give them guidance to learn to cook. Unfortunately many will use the money for toys, fast food and non essential products. Sorry state this country is in.

[kenoc7]

I can't believe how many mean, small-minded people there are in this forum. This is about reducing CHILD poverty.

[thevillagernie]

did i hear correct that starting in july the govern will pay $3,000. Per month, per child, for the poor?

no mo po.

[airdale2]

Or lay on your back making babies.

[Skunky1]

Give a man a fish he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish he will eat for life.

[Villages Kahuna]

Is it still called a tax credit even if you don't owe any taxes? Yea, and that’s why it’s far less expensive than it’s being implied by some news organizations.

The reason people aren’t taking low-paying jobs is because they’re low paying. If you read the papers and pay attention to more than just Fox News, you’ll find out that lots of well-known companies are raising their lower end pay scales which has largely eliminated their inability to attract new employees. The economic law of supply and demand is working!

[golfing eagles]

I can't believe how many mean, small-minded people there are in this forum. This is about reducing CHILD poverty.

Yes, it is. However, just how do you do that? We all know (although some are too far left to admit it) that direct payments to the parent(s) tend to go to alcohol, lotto, cigarettes and drugs. Massive amounts of money are spent to help the kids , but it never reaches them.
I don't know the solution, but I think a big step would be to ditch these EBT cards and go back to food stamps, in fact stamps for everything, no cash at all. The landlord gets paid directly, there are stamps only good for school supplies and school lunches, stamps for bus transportation, perhaps a direct payment to an ISP and cell (local use only) provider. Make welfare much less tolerable, a subsistence living like it was in the thirties when people would do ANYTHING to "get off the dole". We have made these handouts a lifestyle that millions are enjoying at the expense of others.
Then, make getting a job, job training, or more education a condition of welfare payments. Provide daycare, preferable by grouping moms into a unit that rotates taking care of the kids with the above self "improvement" categories
Lastly, since you can't stop the recipients from trying to sell their stamps for cash (to get beer, cigarettes and lotto tickets), make it a class B felony to BUY these stamps (punishable by 10-25 in state prison).
At least it would be a start.

[golfing eagles]

Yea, and that’s why it’s far less expensive than it’s being implied by some news organizations.

The reason people aren’t taking low-paying jobs is because they’re low paying. If you read the papers and pay attention to more than just Fox News, you’ll find out that lots of well-known companies are raising their lower end pay scales which has largely eliminated their inability to attract new employees. The economic law of supply and demand is working!

To a certain degree, you are correct. But at the same time, it is pricing some classes of employees out of the market. Who in their right mind is going to take a chance on a 17 year old looking for work when you have to pay $15/hr? At that rate of pay, you bring some more retirees and stay at home moms with work experience back into the job market. As someone who employed 50+ people, I'd take a 60 year old with experience over a 17 year old any day.
The "lower end" jobs were never really intended to be a career, nor a salary with which you could support a family. I just don't know how kids will get the work experience they need with this new pay structure, not to mention it will make automation , which traditionally was more expensive than a minimum wage worker, much more attractive.

[Stu from NYC]

Yea, and that’s why it’s far less expensive than it’s being implied by some news organizations.

The reason people aren’t taking low-paying jobs is because they’re low paying. If you read the papers and pay attention to more than just Fox News, you’ll find out that lots of well-known companies are raising their lower end pay scales which has largely eliminated their inability to attract new employees. The economic law of supply and demand is working!

What about the people realizing they make more staying home collecting from the govt than doing actual work?

[Juliebythesea]

Yes, because we sure don’t want to help children do we? THIS is what our government should be doing instead of making wealthy people get more wealthy by tax cuts to the rich.

[bonrich]

Don't forget folks, the Government does not run a business to make money, they spend money, and where does that money come from, wait for it........ YOU!!

[billyb1950]

If a person can't afford to provide for their children then they shouldn't have any. Amen!

[Kgcetm]

Should be ZERO.

[golfing eagles]

Yes, because we sure don’t want to help children do we? THIS is what our government should be doing instead of making wealthy people get more wealthy by tax cuts to the rich.

Straight out of the far left play book since 1932, page 1

[toeser]

Should be $5000 per/year

Why? Do you wish to make personal responsibility illegal?

[b0bd0herty]

Should be $5000 per/year

Lets just make it $25,000 per year so no body with kids (that they chose to have) have to work. Hope you have cash saved to pay your taxes.

[Astron]

We all know how well gov subsidy programs work..like every other hand out program- money will go towards frivolous or wasted purchases for the adult and not change the food or well being status of the child - not one iota
That is a sweeping statement that I would love to see you support with actual evidence, you know proof that would stand up in court. It must be scary and depressing to live in a world where everyone is out to rip you off, neglect their families and never do honest work unless forced. Most of the poor I have known were hard working, honest and loving people. Not being equipped to be financially successful in life does not make you a bad person. Not caring about anyone but yourself does, in my opinion.
People complain when their favorite eatery limits service because they can’t get help for minimum wage or less. But the same people seem to be unwilling to support the people at the bottom of the economic ladder that have to do the best to support their families.
Come on. We are all in this together, and no one is getting out of this alive. We need the woman scrubbing dishes in the restaurant kitchen or mowing the grass as much as the Doctors or entrepreneurs if the system is going to work. Try to make the system work for everyone.

[Billy1]

I did see some loving Christian concern in these replies, increase your tipping so workers can afford child care and the government won't have to cover your tips.

[J1ceasar]

If you want to get into details lbj's Great society started the welfare state, and we have the exact same percentage of poor today as we did 50 plus years ago. Look it up use any statistics you want it's the truth. Giving money away does not help the poor.
However maybe if you give them an additional education and skills to get a better job that might help. I'm not talking about the unfortunate who are sick or do not have proper psychological brains to work.

[gemini5001]

Yeah, yours and mine and everyone else's money.

[GOLFER54]

According to my calculations if a person has 10 kids under 5 that amounts to $3000 a month or $36,000 a year. Isn’t being dependent on the government GREAT !

[birdawg]

Did I hear correct that starting in July the govern will pay $3,000. per month, per child, for the poor?
Actually it will be us tax payers who will be giving them the money

[Bill14564]

Yea, and that’s why it’s far less expensive than it’s being implied by some news organizations.

I'm confused. How can paying someone money they never put into the system be far less expensive than returning some of the money they did put into the system? If the parents of Dick and Jane aren't paying taxes into the system then the entire $600 "tax credit" is coming out of my pocket. Sure, it's less expensive for Dick and Jane's parents but it's more expensive for me and the rest of the tax-paying citizens.

The reason people aren’t taking low-paying jobs is because they’re low paying. If you read the papers and pay attention to more than just Fox News, you’ll find out that lots of well-known companies are raising their lower end pay scales which has largely eliminated their inability to attract new employees. The economic law of supply and demand is working!

In your mind do you see a lot of people sitting at home with no income because they made a choice to go hungry rather than taking a low-paying job? In my mind I see an economic decision to take unemployment plus a $7.50/hour (based on a 40 hour week) Federal paycheck to sit at home rather than taking a $10/hour job.

A lot of well-known companies have been forced to raise their lower-end pay scales because they are competing against the Federal Government. Together, the State and Federal Governments are paying people more to stay home and so the companies have to increase wages to compete successfully. But it isn't quite a fair fight since the Federal Government has bottomless pockets - they don't have to earn a profit to pay for the wages, the Fed Govt just writes checks.

[Bay Kid]

No, per yesterday's newspaper, it is $3600. per year or $300.00 per month per child through age 5, then $3000.00 per year or $250. per child ages 6 through 17.

Thanks for the correction. Good reason to send all the children to the US and then the family will follow and be paid lots of money for all your children. Send them to school and get 2 free meals a day. Free health care, lodging, etc. Children can be a good business.

This isn't about the children, it is about the money and votes.

[4pocketz]

Did I hear correct that starting in July the govern will pay $3,000. per month, per child, for the poor?
I REALLY DO NOT think so!!!!
Believe it when you see it! WELFARE all over again and it’ll be PAID for by YOU!!

[Proveone]

Better to give it to our citizens, who have struggled through the pandemic, and didn't benefit from the big business/1%er's 2017 tax break, than to send our tax dollars to other countries!

[golfing eagles]

Better to give it to our citizens, who have struggled through the pandemic, and didn't benefit from the big business/1%er's 2017 tax break, than to send our tax dollars to other countries!

To reiterate post #54----"Straight out of the far left play book since 1932, page 1"

How about those "citizens" work to earn what they get, rather than suck off the government teat. And speaking about business and the "1%ers", who do you think is going to hire all these new workers at $15/hr???? Welfare recipients????

So to quote Margaret Thatcher, "The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of OTHER people's money"

[MandoMan]

Always good to start a trouble thread with wrong information and it would be nice to use the word working poor and that includes a lot of people , if it works properly it could cut child hunger and needs by 50%

While I have a visceral reaction against giving away money like this, and while I am skeptical of this “child hunger” argument (given that I’ve seen plenty of overweight poor children, but I’ve NEVER seen a kid on the sidewalk in this country starving to death), there are a lot of people in this country who my Uncle Johnny used to call “pitiful poor.” (He grew up poor in southern Virginia without running water or a toilet, so “pitiful poor” was below that.) That sort of poverty doesn’t mean you can’t be happy or smile or laugh, but it grinds you down, and it hurts to not be able to buy anything or afford a little birthday present for your child.

The fact is, while plenty of this money will be used to by drugs, liquor, etc., nearly all of it will be used to BUY THINGS. When poor people who haven’t had enough money to buy things get a lot more, they buy a lot more. They spend it all. That means more things have to be made or cooked or whatever, and that means people have to be hired to make all this. Essentially, we the people are giving money to poor people so they will help grow the economy by consuming more. It sort of balances out, though it’s perhaps not a very efficient way of doing things.

One interesting point is that if the minimum wage were double what it is now, all those people earning minimum wages would have a lot more to spend without it having to come from the government. This would incentivise people to take jobs and work, and they might actually be paying taxes instead of receiving much more back as “refunds” than they ever pay in federal income tax. Business owners would have to charge more to cover the extra cost of the wages, yes, but that’s how it works. You and I would have to pay a little more to buy things. Maybe that pizza would cost a dollar more! But would you rather support people through fair wages or through government handouts? Also, if businesses were required to provide health insurance to workers, then yes, prices would go up, but the need for Medicaid would go down a lot. As it is, American taxpayers are subsidising all these businesses that pay so little that full-time workers still qualify for Medicaid, free lunches in school, big tax rebates, etc.

[whound68]

How dare those kids by being born.

[irishwonone]

This money is NOT just for poor!

[nn0wheremann]

No, per yesterday's newspaper, it is $3600. per year or $300.00 per month per child through age 5, then $3000.00 per year or $250. per child ages 6 through 17.
That’s one way to address the labor shortage, encourage folks to make more babies. And it’s redefining poor. MFJ with income up to $150K.

[golfing eagles]

While I have a visceral reaction against giving away money like this, and while I am skeptical of this “child hunger” argument (given that I’ve seen plenty of overweight poor children, but I’ve NEVER seen a kid on the sidewalk in this country starving to death), there are a lot of people in this country who my Uncle Johnny used to call “pitiful poor.” (He grew up poor in southern Virginia without running water or a toilet, so “pitiful poor” was below that.) That sort of poverty doesn’t mean you can’t be happy or smile or laugh, but it grinds you down, and it hurts to not be able to buy anything or afford a little birthday present for your child.

The fact is, while plenty of this money will be used to by drugs, liquor, etc., nearly all of it will be used to BUY THINGS. When poor people who haven’t had enough money to buy things get a lot more, they buy a lot more. They spend it all. That means more things have to be made or cooked or whatever, and that means people have to be hired to make all this. Essentially, we the people are giving money to poor people so they will help grow the economy by consuming more. It sort of balances out, though it’s perhaps not a very efficient way of doing things.

One interesting point is that if the minimum wage were double what it is now, all those people earning minimum wages would have a lot more to spend without it having to come from the government. This would incentivise people to take jobs and work, and they might actually be paying taxes instead of receiving much more back as “refunds” than they ever pay in federal income tax. Business owners would have to charge more to cover the extra cost of the wages, yes, but that’s how it works. You and I would have to pay a little more to buy things. Maybe that pizza would cost a dollar more! But would you rather support people through fair wages or through government handouts? Also, if businesses were required to provide health insurance to workers, then yes, prices would go up, but the need for Medicaid would go down a lot. As it is, American taxpayers are subsidising all these businesses that pay so little that full-time workers still qualify for Medicaid, free lunches in school, big tax rebates, etc.

Or maybe they would just be replaced by a machine

[petsetc]

Lastly, since you can't stop the recipients from trying to sell their stamps for cash (to get beer, cigarettes and lotto tickets), make it a class B felony to BUY these stamps (punishable by 10-25 in state prison).[/B]
At least it would be a start.

The Florida Department of Corrections employs about 24,000 people and has an annual budget of more than $2 billion — less than 1% of the overall state budget. It costs the state about $22,000 a year for each inmate in custody.

Source: What you need to know about Florida's prisons - Florida Trend | Feature (https://www.floridatrend.com/article/28815/what-you-need-to-know-about-floridas-prisons)

[meridian5850]

Always good to start a trouble thread with wrong information and it would be nice to use the word working poor and that includes a lot of people , if it works properly it could cut child hunger and needs by 50%

See post #10

[meridian5850]

Pretty good joke! I don't have a problem with government payments for up to 2 children - but 2 ONLY, NOT more. If you have more that is your problem. The government should only encourage 2 children. The US needs to control its population based on "quality of life" calculations. Too much population is a BAD problem. There is probably a population number that maximizes "quality of life". That number needs to be calculated and then tax and immigration policy should be adjusted to achieve that population. The US population density and natural resources are limited. We don't want to end up like India and China!!!!!!!!!!

So you want us to be communist China now???

The USA birthrate is already below the replacement rate of those dying.

[JoelJohnson]

Lucky for us the govt has plenty of money so they can just give it away.

Yes, they gave billions to the rich.

[Tuly914]

Did I hear correct that starting in July the govern will pay $3,000. per month, per child, for the poor?

Some of these comments are disgusting. I'm sure some of these distasteful comments would have a change of mind should someone in your family need financial help. Not everyone was born with a silver spoon or had the opportunity to go to college to better themselves. Think before you speak, because things can change in a blink of an eye. From a friend's experience, some businesses don't want to hire anyone over 60, so after losing their job of 40 years and not their fault, how is one suppose to feed and cloth their children in the meantime. If you can be anything be Kind.

[Larchap49]

No, per yesterday's newspaper, it is $3600. per year or $300.00 per month per child through age 5, then $3000.00 per year or $250. per child ages 6 through 17.

Another step into communism. Freedom and the American way disappearing one step at a time. In 3 years and 4 months I hope America is still a recognizable entity.

[Larchap49]

Always good to start a trouble thread with wrong information and it would be nice to use the word working poor and that includes a lot of people , if it works properly it could cut child hunger and needs by 50%

If it works properly???? When has any program run by the government worked properly? It will be mismanaged, the undeserving will get a large portion of the money and crooked politians will get most of the rest. Just the way it is. Oh and it will never go away just get bigger as more crooks figure out how to get their share.

[golfing eagles]

Some of these comments are disgusting. I'm sure some of these distasteful comments would have a change of mind should someone in your family need financial help. Not everyone was born with a silver spoon or had the opportunity to go to college to better themselves. Think before you speak, because things can change in a blink of an eye. From a friend's experience, some businesses don't want to hire anyone over 60, so after losing their job of 40 years and not their fault, how is one suppose to feed and cloth their children in the meantime. If you can be anything be Kind.

Maybe some of us find YOUR comment disgusting and distasteful. Most of us weren't born with "a silver spoon in their mouths", we worked long and hard to get where we are, and as such, have little tolerance for those that laze on their couch, watch Oprah, spit out multiple babies by multiple fathers while smoking crack, drinking beer, smoking cigarettes and checking their lotto tickets all on our dime. I do feel sorry for your friend, if that statement was indeed true, but how does someone who worked 40 years and therefor 60+ have "children to support" (yes, I know it is possible, but unlikely). Much of the anti-handout commentary on here is more directed at those that make a permanent living off our tax dollar and defraud the system, and not aimed at those who worked, want to work, but were temporary victims of COVID. So maybe YOU should think before YOU speak.

[Luckytwo]

I worked for many years for Department of Social Services. Low income families with children, single mothers are eligible for food stamps, free children medicaid.
They get money for rent, utilities, free or reduced child care, free breakfast and lunches at school.One time unemployed father of 4 children tell me , “why I would go back to work, I can go fishing every day and all my bills are paid .

[golfing eagles]

I worked for many years for Department of Social Services. Low income families with children, single mothers are eligible for food stamps, free children medicaid.
They get money for rent, utilities, free or reduced child care, free breakfast and lunches at school.One time unemployed father of 4 children tell me , “why I would go back to work, I can go fishing every day and all my bills are paid .

So let's give them even more of our money:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

[merrymini]

The war on poverty was the unofficial name of legislature introduce by Johnson in 1964.
“Our aim is not only to relieve the symptom of poverty, but to cure it and, above all, to prevent it.”
It looks like there should be no poverty as a result of these programs.
Thank you government, you are so good at what you do.

[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.

[donfey]

Pre-paying for votes. Isn't that illegal?

[oneclickplus]

We all know how well gov subsidy programs work..like every other hand out program- money will go towards frivolous or wasted purchases for the adult and not change the food or well being status of the child - not one iota

Plus, there is the incentive to breed early and often.

[Gigi3000]

I believe I read that the birth rate is down. I think the government is encouraging more births.

[FUSSY LADY]

These people will never go back to work. The government can keep supporting them and keep printing money. This country will never get out of debt!

[crash]

Lucky for us the govt has plenty of money so they can just give it away.

In case you didn’t know they were already getting the credit on their taxes if there income was below a certain level. This Judy’s moves the credit to monthly instead of annually.

[airstreamingypsy]

Since there are no poor people with children, living in The Villages, one wonders what the original intent of this post is. Perhaps to cause more division? You people who are so upset that you have to help poor children, seem to have no problem with billionaires getting tax breaks. Billionaires getting welfare is fine, but hungry kids getting a helping hand? Nope.

[BumpaOompa]

There’s going to be a baby boom in The Villages!!

[Gabi12]

😂😂😂

[Boomer]

If this country does not get moderates in power, we (well, actually our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren) are going to have a mess of a country — from all directions.

On one side, hate and conspiracy theories and re-writing history (Orwellian-style) are ruling people I thought were normal, people I have known all my life. I think there is neuroscience behind some of this that has converted the thought processes of the susceptible.

The common denominator is that they tune into screens that constantly hammer the emotional part of their brains with fear, hate, paranoia, urgency — negative emotions — until obsession kicks in and takes over their lives, launching them into a frenzied alternative universe where lies are truth and truth is lies — and, sadly, often poisoning longterm relationships.

Btw, the use of references to the novel 1984 that we so often see thrown around by conspiracy theorists and their ilk is a bassakwards reference. In Orwell’s book, there are 4 Ministries with titles that mean the opposite. The Ministry of Truth is actually the department of propaganda. Orwell must be spinning in his grave to see his dystopian novel used as part of the current propaganda machine. Maybe they should actually read the book — won’t happen though.

On the other side, I am seeing things I do not understand, and I keep thinking I must be missing something. This child credit thing is one of those things.

If the government wants to actually do something to lift children from poverty, the money would be more effectively spent by setting up and staffing well-run daycares and pre-schools for working parents whose earning ability does not allow them to get ahead — but they are going to work. This would not only make childcare accessible for lower-earning working families, but it would give the children a good start on learning.

I also think there should be more of an incentive for corporations to set up on-site childcare to be available for working women. I know some employers have this, but not enough do. I think this could be an excellent use of tax incentives for employers.

As I said, I do not understand this child credit thing, but my first thought is that it is naive. Actual planning time and money could be far better spent on an overall plan to help working parents with an ongoing investment in facilities and staffing for childcare and early education.

If such a thing were to actually happen on a nationwide scale, all of our society would benefit. Doling out money to individuals looks to me like a naive attempt at a quick-fix that might work for a percentage of families, but a lot of it will fall through the cracks — as do so many of our nation’s children.

I am truly and deeply concerned that hate and lies are winning the fight for the Soul of America. One side has morphed into something monstrous that will devour us. But the naïveté on the other side needs to be turned into the planning of real, longterm solutions. But as people go, I will take decency and caring any day — although they need to moderate and take time to think through some of the plans for how to really help children for generations to come.
.
If you have read this, you have seen what a moderate looks like — albeit a socially, slightly left-leaning moderate with a head for money and a strong opinion on how the government could spend wisely to do some actual good.

Boomer — a for-real moderate (an endangered species)

[golfing eagles]

If this country does not get moderates in power, we (well, actually our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren) are going to have a mess of a country — from all directions.

On one side, hate and conspiracy theories and re-writing history (Orwellian-style) are ruling people I thought were normal, people I have known all my life. I think there is neuroscience behind some of this that has converted the thought processes of the susceptible.

The common denominator is that they tune into screens that constantly hammer the emotional part of their brains with fear, hate, paranoia, urgency — negative emotions — until obsession kicks in and takes over their lives, launching them into a frenzied alternative universe where lies are truth and truth is lies — and, sadly, often poisoning longterm relationships.

Btw, the use of references to the novel 1984 that we so often see thrown around by conspiracy theorists and their ilk is a bassakwards reference. In Orwell’s book, there are 4 Ministries with titles that mean the opposite. The Ministry of Truth is actually the department of propaganda. Orwell must be spinning in his grave to see his dystopian novel used as part of the current propaganda machine. Maybe they should actually read the book — won’t happen though.

On the other side, I am seeing things I do not understand, and I keep thinking I must be missing something. This child credit thing is one of those things.

If the government wants to actually do something to lift children from poverty, the money would be more effectively spent by setting up and staffing well-run daycares and pre-schools for working parents whose earning ability does not allow them to get ahead — but they are going to work. This would not only make childcare accessible for lower-earning working families, but it would give the children a good start on learning.

I also think there should be more of an incentive for corporations to set up on-site childcare to be available for working women. I know some employers have this, but not enough do. I think this could be an excellent use of tax incentives for employers.

As I said, I do not understand this child credit thing, but my first thought is that it is naive. Actual planning time and money could be far better spent on an overall plan to help working parents with an ongoing investment in facilities and staffing for childcare and early education.

If such a thing were to actually happen on a nationwide scale, all of our society would benefit. Doling out money to individuals looks to me like a naive attempt at a quick-fix that might work for a percentage of families, but a lot of it will fall through the cracks — as do so many of our nation’s children.

I am truly and deeply concerned that hate and lies are winning the fight for the Soul of America. The party of most of my past has morphed into something monstrous that will devour us. But the naïveté from the other side needs to be brought in line.

If you have read this, you have seen what a moderate looks like — albeit a socially, slightly left-leaning moderate with a head for money and a strong opinion on how the government could spend it wisely to do some actual good.

Boomer — a for-real moderate (an endangered species)

So when are you starting your run for US Senate???? I'd be happy to contribute!

[Spalumbos62]

Yeah right, because the decent option of putting your knees together, sitting up and saying no is much worse than killing a baby. To say nothing of all the other options; the pill, IUD’s, condoms, foam, tubal ligation, etc. that are available. Just step up and murder your mistake.:ohdear:


Don't be ridiculous, it's not that simple..

[ellenwelsh]

It’s the EIC being paid in advance.

[karostay]

Get ready for explosion of single parent children

[Tennisbum]

our money, not the governments, to help support those who can't afford their offspring.......

[Boomer]

So when are you starting your run for US Senate???? I'd be happy to contribute!

Oh my, my, ge, that is the sweetest thing I have read around here lately — and it did not go unnoticed that you did not use your little rolling-around-laughing emoticons so I am taking your comment at face value. Thanks. :)

Seriously, had I been born later maybe I coulda, woulda, shoulda been a contender.

But I was busy teaching secondary ed for 35 years. (Taught 1984 in 1984 and now wondering if any of my students remember those discussions.)

We early boomer women were often English teachers instead of lawyers and nurses instead of doctors and math teachers instead of engineers. It was the way it was. We graduated from high school on the cusp of change but at that point, if going to college, many of us followed the traditional track for women — but at least we had “The Pill” to offer us more freedom.

Boomer

[DAVES]

Did I hear correct that starting in July the govern will pay $3,000. per month, per child, for the poor?

I cannot comprehend where we are today.

Seems I was raised wrong. Whatever happened to personal responsibility?

Economic REALITY. If, you tax something you will have less of it. If you subsidized something you will have more of it. Our tax code, am I the only one to ask do we NEED
fewer kids from financially sound homes and more poor kids?

[Byte1]

Since there are no poor people with children, living in The Villages, one wonders what the original intent of this post is. Perhaps to cause more division? You people who are so upset that you have to help poor children, seem to have no problem with billionaires getting tax breaks. Billionaires getting welfare is fine, but hungry kids getting a helping hand? Nope.

I do not know where you reside, but you will not find another community that devotes time and money to fund raise and collect items for needy children and food pantries/soup kitchens, animal rescue, etc. as much as it is done in the Villages. Some communities have monthly collections of food donations. And Billionaires getting to keep some of their money that has been confiscated/demanded by the gov. is not considered "welfare" by anyone other than the have-nots that are jealous of the achievements of their betters. And the rich really DO help the economy. Their purchases alone end up providing many jobs, federal revenues in taxes, etc. How many poor folks hire employees? Trickle down really does work, regardless of the attempts by some to brainwash you into believing otherwise.

[DAVES]

Don't be ridiculous, it's not that simple..

Actually it is that simple. Self responsibility. Perhaps a strange concept for too many.
I worked, I paid my bills, including my college loans. Do explain why I should now pay the bills of others. I PAID MINE.

[Byte1]

Don't be ridiculous, it's not that simple..

Totally agree. When one is in heat it is impossible to say "no" or hesitate long enough to obtain a birth control device. After all, aren't we all just another example of the many animal species GOD created on earth? Thinking is discarded when in heat, right?

[Byte1]

Actually it is that simple. Self responsibility. Perhaps a strange concept for too many.
I worked, I paid my bills, including my college loans. Do explain why I should now pay the bills of others. I PAID MINE.

Standby because soon you will be paying for EVERYONE's children to go to college. Got your kids' student loans paid off yet? Their friends will be able to obtain the same education your kids paid for, only FREE. Actually, you get to pay for it via your taxes.

[DAVES]

I do not know where you reside, but you will not find another community that devotes time and money to fund raise and collect items for needy children and food pantries/soup kitchens, animal rescue, etc. as much as it is done in the Villages. Some communities have monthly collections of food donations. And Billionaires getting to keep some of their money that has been confiscated/demanded by the gov. is not considered "welfare" by anyone other than the have-nots that are jealous of the achievements of their betters. And the rich really DO help the economy. Their purchases alone end up providing many jobs, federal revenues in taxes, etc. How many poor folks hire employees? Trickle down really does work, regardless of the attempts by some to brainwash you into believing otherwise.

Reality. People are and always have been the same. You will never see anyone, any organization say you have given enough do not give any more. An interesting to me example, The march of dimes, i am not implying they are crooked. It was set up for polio aid. Polio no longer exists. The charity still does.

As far as the rich, you do not want to work for the poor. Your check that you need to pay
your bills, it is more than a little problem when you boss bounces checks, delays mailing them out of the classic the check was lost in the mail-we will send you a replacement in
two weeks.

[Pat2015]

Did I hear correct that starting in July the govern will pay $3,000. per month, per child, for the poor?

$300 a month for earners under $75k singles/$150k for a couple and it’s through Dec. Not just for “poor” people.

[taruffi57]

Pandering......for votes.

[Ecd1810]

If a person can't afford to provide for their children then they shouldn't have any.

Maybe they should teach THAT in school.

[KAM+6]

It's a expanded tax credit. Do any of you know how much day care costs these days especially during the pandemic. Mothers had to give up their jobs because of school closings They also had to become a teacher.

[conman5652@aol.com]

Not true. Unemployment benefits are being abused but state won’t require proof of looking for work. So why would I get off my butt.
Also try living on $500.00 a week in TV with no mortgage bond or medicine for two months.
As far as giving away free money maybe we should stop paying those A holes in the that dome. They have not and don’t care what the people of this country concerns are but what the leader of the 🐴 or 🐘 say.

[jimjamuser]

It would be good thing if accurate? Millions not being counted IMO.
Yes true, the illegals.

[egualf]

Great let’s have more kids!

[Paper1]

It’s called paying for or buying votes.

It is indeed, and very effective I might add.

[jimjamuser]

I can't believe how many mean, small-minded people there are in this forum. This is about reducing CHILD poverty.
Optimum population level would fix MANY problems including lowering child poverty.

[jimjamuser]

Give a man a fish he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish he will eat for life.
Control population, which controls pollution, which allows more FISH to be in the lakes and ocean.

[Paper1]

Plenty of OUR MONEY!
Not our money, it is our children's and grandchildren's. Our only contribution is re electing these so called leaders.

[jimjamuser]

Yea, and that’s why it’s far less expensive than it’s being implied by some news organizations.

The reason people aren’t taking low-paying jobs is because they’re low paying. If you read the papers and pay attention to more than just Fox News, you’ll find out that lots of well-known companies are raising their lower end pay scales which has largely eliminated their inability to attract new employees. The economic law of supply and demand is working!
Exactly. Bank of America decided to pay their employees $25 / hour and now they have zero problem attracting GOOD employees. That tells me that the minimum wage should be between $20 and $25 in today's era of HIGH GNP and massive computer power.

[Two Bills]

Can't understand all this "building debt for our children" stuff.
In case you hadn't noticed, it's them that are running the show these days.
Us oldies are mere spectators!

[manaboutown]

If a person can't afford to provide for their children then they shouldn't have any.

Can't feed 'em, don't breed 'em.

[zendog3]

If a person can't afford to provide for their children then they shouldn't have any.

The child is not guilty of the sins of the parent. No child in America should go hungry simply because their parents are irresponsible.

[jimjamuser]

Yes, it is. However, just how do you do that? We all know (although some are too far left to admit it) that direct payments to the parent(s) tend to go to alcohol, lotto, cigarettes and drugs. Massive amounts of money are spent to help the kids , but it never reaches them.
I don't know the solution, but I think a big step would be to ditch these EBT cards and go back to food stamps, in fact stamps for everything, no cash at all. The landlord gets paid directly, there are stamps only good for school supplies and school lunches, stamps for bus transportation, perhaps a direct payment to an ISP and cell (local use only) provider. Make welfare much less tolerable, a subsistence living like it was in the thirties when people would do ANYTHING to "get off the dole". We have made these handouts a lifestyle that millions are enjoying at the expense of others.
Then, make getting a job, job training, or more education a condition of welfare payments. Provide daycare, preferable by grouping moms into a unit that rotates taking care of the kids with the above self "improvement" categories
Lastly, since you can't stop the recipients from trying to sell their stamps for cash (to get beer, cigarettes and lotto tickets), make it a class B felony to BUY these stamps (punishable by 10-25 in state prison).
At least it would be a start.
How about we start with Universal Health Care like ALL the other 1st world countries. Then, add more IRS agents to stop all the rich tax cheats in America. Then we pay a minimum wage of $20 to get Americans back to work. Then, we change the tax policy that has made the US have the greatest wealth disparity in the free world. then, we eliminate the liability protection for Police Officers. Then, we start back a DRAFT so that 25% of our military are NOT volunteers and thus susceptible to overthrowing the government. Then we increase the supreme court to 11 justices and give them ONLY one 6 year term. Then we make Senators have one 5 year term and Congresspeople have one 3 year term. Then we stop whatever(?) crazy s*it is going on in Arizona and potentially other states. After doing ALL that, come back to me - I have MANY more GOOD ideas.

[jimjamuser]

Straight out of the far left play book since 1932, page 1
The US now has the greatest wealth gap in the free world. We did not have that problem in the 50s through 1975 because the tax system spread the wealth around. Also, unions were strong back then - they are completely crushed by ugly, wealthy people today! The rich have their thumb on the poor today and the system is designed to keep them this way. Fact.......the US has much less "upward mobility" than EVEN England. They are 11th we are 30th.....SAD! Check me out on world lists!!!!!!

[jimjamuser]

That is a sweeping statement that I would love to see you support with actual evidence, you know proof that would stand up in court. It must be scary and depressing to live in a world where everyone is out to rip you off, neglect their families and never do honest work unless forced. Most of the poor I have known were hard working, honest and loving people. Not being equipped to be financially successful in life does not make you a bad person. Not caring about anyone but yourself does, in my opinion.
People complain when their favorite eatery limits service because they can’t get help for minimum wage or less. But the same people seem to be unwilling to support the people at the bottom of the economic ladder that have to do the best to support their families.
Come on. We are all in this together, and no one is getting out of this alive. We need the woman scrubbing dishes in the restaurant kitchen or mowing the grass as much as the Doctors or entrepreneurs if the system is going to work. Try to make the system work for everyone.
WOW. Someone with a heart! Amazing. A GREAT post. With the GNP of the US, it would be easy for the poor to be equivalent to the average today in terms of wealth - if only the tax structure was NOT set up in around 1975 to benefit ONLY the ALREADY wealthy. Wall Steet is WRONG - GREED is NOT good!!!!! Look at how screwed up we are today - we are staring into an abyss of DICTATORSHIP!!!! Dictators like a large wealth gap - ask the David Koch , Ruphard Murdouch, and Steve Wynn and other creeps.

[jimjamuser]

I did see some loving Christian concern in these replies, increase your tipping so workers can afford child care and the government won't have to cover your tips.
TIPs make workers GROVEL to the rich. Always was a terrible system. Set up by the system manipulators!

[Two Bills]

The US now has the greatest wealth gap in the free world. We did not have that problem in the 50s through 1975 because the tax system spread the wealth around. Also, unions were strong back then - they are completely crushed by ugly, wealthy people today! The rich have their thumb on the poor today and the system is designed to keep them this way. Fact.......the US has much less "upward mobility" than EVEN England.They are 11th we are 30th.....SAD! Check me out on world lists!!!!!!

So many of those dreadful socialist countries leading the way.
Where did they all go wrong!!:ohdear:

[jimjamuser]

Or maybe they would just be replaced by a machine
As it IS, THAT is inevitable (likely in about 10 years). A.I. and robotics are predicted to increase unemployment to 30%. But GNP will be up. Future workers may work 2 days/week. people may retire at age 50 and have 1/2 of their life devoted to golf, sports, fishing, boating, and other leisure activities. Of course, a World War or persistent Pandemics could change that prediction.

[milling73]

Kenoc:
The problem with idealistic thinking is it doesnt come true. Wasnt food stamps, school lunch programs, public aid etc etc etc..supposed to stop child hunger??
In the real world of reality - very little, if any, of that money will go towards solving child hunger. It is however a great incentive to produce more neglected children.

[Holpat39]

And why: We never got money thrown at us or our children in our younger years. We worked and earned every penny and then forced to pay into Social Security which is always saying they will run out of money. Well, stop sending money to foreign countries that hate us and supporting all the illegals then maybe our Social Security won't run out of money.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

While I have a visceral reaction against giving away money like this, and while I am skeptical of this “child hunger” argument (given that I’ve seen plenty of overweight poor children, but I’ve NEVER seen a kid on the sidewalk in this country starving to death), there are a lot of people in this country who my Uncle Johnny used to call “pitiful poor.” (He grew up poor in southern Virginia without running water or a toilet, so “pitiful poor” was below that.) That sort of poverty doesn’t mean you can’t be happy or smile or laugh, but it grinds you down, and it hurts to not be able to buy anything or afford a little birthday present for your child.

The fact is, while plenty of this money will be used to by drugs, liquor, etc., nearly all of it will be used to BUY THINGS. When poor people who haven’t had enough money to buy things get a lot more, they buy a lot more. They spend it all. That means more things have to be made or cooked or whatever, and that means people have to be hired to make all this. Essentially, we the people are giving money to poor people so they will help grow the economy by consuming more. It sort of balances out, though it’s perhaps not a very efficient way of doing things.

One interesting point is that if the minimum wage were double what it is now, all those people earning minimum wages would have a lot more to spend without it having to come from the government. This would incentivise people to take jobs and work, and they might actually be paying taxes instead of receiving much more back as “refunds” than they ever pay in federal income tax. Business owners would have to charge more to cover the extra cost of the wages, yes, but that’s how it works. You and I would have to pay a little more to buy things. Maybe that pizza would cost a dollar more! But would you rather support people through fair wages or through government handouts? Also, if businesses were required to provide health insurance to workers, then yes, prices would go up, but the need for Medicaid would go down a lot. As it is, American taxpayers are subsidising all these businesses that pay so little that full-time workers still qualify for Medicaid, free lunches in school, big tax rebates, etc.

This is EXACTLY how capitalism is supposed to work. Sad that all these so-called anti-socialists completely miss the concept. They're too busy counting the change in their IRAs and 401ks and other investments, that they forget that the point of money is to spend it.

Your post is why I am a capitalist. I promote, encourage, and support the idea that the more people have, the more they spend, and the more they spend, the more companies need to provide. And the more they provide, the more people they need to hire. And the more people they need to hire, the more valuable those workers are. The more valuable they are, the more they earn. The more they earn, the more they spend.

And around and around it goes. That is capitalism, doing what it's supposed to do.

[jimjamuser]

The Florida Department of Corrections employs about 24,000 people and has an annual budget of more than $2 billion — less than 1% of the overall state budget. It costs the state about $22,000 a year for each inmate in custody.

Source: What you need to know about Florida's prisons - Florida Trend | Feature (https://www.floridatrend.com/article/28815/what-you-need-to-know-about-floridas-prisons)
That's why money should NEVER be denied to primary school and early child development. Better schools make better citizens and reduce the cost of incarceration.

[jimjamuser]

So you want us to be communist China now???

The USA birthrate is already below the replacement rate of those dying.
Like I said.....get the population DOWN to 275 Million!

[jimjamuser]

If it works properly???? When has any program run by the government worked properly? It will be mismanaged, the undeserving will get a large portion of the money and crooked politians will get most of the rest. Just the way it is. Oh and it will never go away just get bigger as more crooks figure out how to get their share.
The V.A. works fine. Social Security works fine. Our National Defense is pretty good. The national parks system is pretty good.

[John41]

Exactly. Bank of America decided to pay their employees $25 / hour and now they have zero problem attracting GOOD employees. That tells me that the minimum wage should be between $20 and $25 in today's era of HIGH GNP and massive computer power.

Enjoy your $20 hamburger

[Bill14564]

Exactly. Bank of America decided to pay their employees $25 / hour and now they have zero problem attracting GOOD employees. That tells me that the minimum wage should be between $20 and $25 in today's era of HIGH GNP and massive computer power.

You are retired, right? The thinking behind that analysis is truly frightening.

If the Govt. had chosen to continue to pay $600/week then would you now be advocating a $30/hour minimum wage?

And as others have pointed out, enjoy that $20 burger.

[Aces4]

This is EXACTLY how capitalism is supposed to work. Sad that all these so-called anti-socialists completely miss the concept. They're too busy counting the change in their IRAs and 401ks and other investments, that they forget that the point of money is to spend it.

Your post is why I am a capitalist. I promote, encourage, and support the idea that the more people have, the more they spend, and the more they spend, the more companies need to provide. And the more they provide, the more people they need to hire. And the more people they need to hire, the more valuable those workers are. The more valuable they are, the more they earn. The more they earn, the more they spend.

And around and around it goes. That is capitalism, doing what it's supposed to do.

You’d count the change in your IRA too if you had any thoughts of having enough money to stay solvent during retirement the way things are going. I get a kick out of people slamming those who saved for retirement. Now it’s a dirty word to have an IRA.

I’m advising our kids not to save anymore for retirement age. The new philosophy is to take the savers money and hand it out to the people who didn’t bother. It’s not worth skimping anymore.

[Stu from NYC]

The V.A. works fine. Social Security works fine. Our National Defense is pretty good. The national parks system is pretty good.

Social Security is well on the way to not being able to pay out what our kids are putting in.

National Defense is great at overspending and giving our troops things they have not asked for.

VA seems to be working better these days but some years ago took forever for veterans to be served.

[NAB20]

Good point. But they probably don't feel that way. They usually don't want to help anyone, but really want them to pay for their "sins." In actuality, if people had only children they could afford, many of us would not even be here. However, we are at the point of paying this type of subsidy through our taxes or through buying goods and services at a price that would support a decent wage that allows people to live decently without a subsidy. Again, many people still choose neither. All the while, the rich get richer and the inequities get greater.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

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.

Y'all really really REALLY need to stop spreading this urban legend. I get that any of you who are old enough to remember what the original point of minimum wage is, are too old to remember. I get that the rest of you wouldn't have known, unless you were actually paying attention in school and maybe you have forgotten your lessons then too. It probably wasn't all that important at the time. I get that.

But I don't get why people would make these claims that are EASILY debunked, that have never been true, have never had any truth to them at all.

The National minimum wage was created in 1938 by Congress under the Fair Labor Act. It was implemented to protect workers in the labor force and provide a LIVING WAGE. That is *exactly* what was intended by it when it was created. That was its #1 purpose.

That continued to be the purpose for a couple of decades, until it ceased to keep up with inflation, and minimum wage workers became unable to live on their minimum wage. This country stopped even bothering to try and catch up for a very long time, and now we're in the situation we're in.

Sources:

Minimum Wage | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute (https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/minimum_wage)
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938: Maximum Struggle for a Minimum Wage | U.S. Department of Labor (https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/flsa1938)
Can a Family Survive on the U.S. Minimum Wage? (https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/022615/can-family-survive-us-minimum-wage.asp)
Minimum Wage: Definition, History, Pros, Cons, Purpose (https://www.thebalance.com/us-minimum-wage-what-it-is-history-and-who-must-comply-3306209)

There are dozens of other sources, and Forbes Magazine, that financial bastion of capitalistic goodness, has figured that if you account for general inflation and the general rise in wages over time, minimum wage, compared to the 25-cents/hour it was in 1938, would be $8.86/hour, not the $7.25/hour it is currently.

[jimjamuser]

You are retired, right? The thinking behind that analysis is truly frightening.

If the Govt. had chosen to continue to pay $600/week then would you now be advocating a $30/hour minimum wage?

And as others have pointed out, enjoy that $20 burger.
Once a $25 minimum wage was paid a hamburger MIGHT (?) go up by a dollar, like from $5 to $6. It is up to ownership and their managers to keep the price about the same by either greater efficiency, accepting a lower profit margin, lowering other costs, or going out of business - and allowing a MORE efficient ownership to take over. Or, perhaps, the customer might be willing to pay more, but that is the least likely.

There has NOT been a minimum wage increase in about 30 years - meanwhile, the GNP and efficiency soared. The rich and the ownership class took advantage of no unions and legal and illegal immigration to screw over US workers. They employed an army of lobbyists and controlled the Chamber of Commerce in an effort to prevent worker satisfaction for at least the last 30 years.

[NoMoSno]

Once a $25 minimum wage was paid a hamburger MIGHT (?) go up by a dollar, like from $5 to $6. It is up to ownership and their managers to keep the price about the same by either greater efficiency, accepting a lower profit margin, lowering other costs, or going out of business - and allowing a MORE efficient ownership to take over. Or, perhaps, the customer might be willing to pay more, but that is the least likely.

There has NOT been a minimum wage increase in about 30 years - meanwhile, the GNP and efficiency soared. The rich and the ownership class took advantage of no unions and legal and illegal immigration to screw over US workers. They employed an army of lobbyists and controlled the Chamber of Commerce in an effort to prevent worker satisfaction for at least the last 30 years.
NO minimum wage increase in 30 years?
Try 12:
History of Federal Minimum Wage Rates Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 1938 - 2009 | U.S. Department of Labor (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/history/chart)

[jimjamuser]

Y'all really really REALLY need to stop spreading this urban legend. I get that any of you who are old enough to remember what the original point of minimum wage is, are too old to remember. I get that the rest of you wouldn't have known, unless you were actually paying attention in school and maybe you have forgotten your lessons then too. It probably wasn't all that important at the time. I get that.

But I don't get why people would make these claims that are EASILY debunked, that have never been true, have never had any truth to them at all.

The National minimum wage was created in 1938 by Congress under the Fair Labor Act. It was implemented to protect workers in the labor force and provide a LIVING WAGE. That is *exactly* what was intended by it when it was created. That was its #1 purpose.

That continued to be the purpose for a couple of decades, until it ceased to keep up with inflation, and minimum wage workers became unable to live on their minimum wage. This country stopped even bothering to try and catch up for a very long time, and now we're in the situation we're in.

Sources:

Minimum Wage | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute (https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/minimum_wage)
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938: Maximum Struggle for a Minimum Wage | U.S. Department of Labor (https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/flsa1938)
Can a Family Survive on the U.S. Minimum Wage? (https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/022615/can-family-survive-us-minimum-wage.asp)
Minimum Wage: Definition, History, Pros, Cons, Purpose (https://www.thebalance.com/us-minimum-wage-what-it-is-history-and-who-must-comply-3306209)

There are dozens of other sources, and Forbes Magazine, that financial bastion of capitalistic goodness, has figured that if you account for general inflation and the general rise in wages over time, minimum wage, compared to the 25-cents/hour it was in 1938, would be $8.86/hour, not the $7.25/hour it is currently.
Around 1975 increasing inflation started to prevent REAL wages from increasing until today we have the socially unstable (possibly dangerous and a nod to totalitarian) situation where the US has the greatest Wealth Disparity in the free world. Sad and dangerous.

[jimjamuser]

NO minimum wage increase in 30 years?
Try 12:
History of Federal Minimum Wage Rates Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 1938 - 2009 | U.S. Department of Labor (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/history/chart)
NOT true. Inflation must be taken into account, which eliminated ALL WAGE increase from about 1975 until today. It is sometimes called constant dollars by economists. They look at what number of dollars had the same buying power for each year. There are tables to help people calculate that out in MOST every economics book. It is taught in econ 101.

[Aces4]

Around 1975 increasing inflation started to prevent REAL wages from increasing until today we have the socially unstable (possibly dangerous and a nod to totalitarian) situation where the US has the greatest Wealth Disparity in the free world. Sad and dangerous.

Yeah, the dangerous situation began when two parent homes disappeared, the public tit appeared and illegal immigration went unchecked. Some people worked and saved and the others took the get by path.

[Aces4]

Good point. But they probably don't feel that way. They usually don't want to help anyone, but really want them to pay for their "sins." In actuality, if people had only children they could afford, many of us would not even be here. However, we are at the point of paying this type of subsidy through our taxes or through buying goods and services at a price that would support a decent wage that allows people to live decently without a subsidy. Again, many people still choose neither. All the while, the rich get richer and the inequities get greater.

I wonder if you skim the Gates, Zuckerburgs, Bezos types and politicians off the top of the “rich and wealthy”, how many truly wealthy would be left.

[Taltarzac725]

If this country does not get moderates in power, we (well, actually our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren) are going to have a mess of a country — from all directions.

On one side, hate and conspiracy theories and re-writing history (Orwellian-style) are ruling people I thought were normal, people I have known all my life. I think there is neuroscience behind some of this that has converted the thought processes of the susceptible.

The common denominator is that they tune into screens that constantly hammer the emotional part of their brains with fear, hate, paranoia, urgency — negative emotions — until obsession kicks in and takes over their lives, launching them into a frenzied alternative universe where lies are truth and truth is lies — and, sadly, often poisoning longterm relationships.

Btw, the use of references to the novel 1984 that we so often see thrown around by conspiracy theorists and their ilk is a bassakwards reference. In Orwell’s book, there are 4 Ministries with titles that mean the opposite. The Ministry of Truth is actually the department of propaganda. Orwell must be spinning in his grave to see his dystopian novel used as part of the current propaganda machine. Maybe they should actually read the book — won’t happen though.

On the other side, I am seeing things I do not understand, and I keep thinking I must be missing something. This child credit thing is one of those things.

If the government wants to actually do something to lift children from poverty, the money would be more effectively spent by setting up and staffing well-run daycares and pre-schools for working parents whose earning ability does not allow them to get ahead — but they are going to work. This would not only make childcare accessible for lower-earning working families, but it would give the children a good start on learning.

I also think there should be more of an incentive for corporations to set up on-site childcare to be available for working women. I know some employers have this, but not enough do. I think this could be an excellent use of tax incentives for employers.

As I said, I do not understand this child credit thing, but my first thought is that it is naive. Actual planning time and money could be far better spent on an overall plan to help working parents with an ongoing investment in facilities and staffing for childcare and early education.

If such a thing were to actually happen on a nationwide scale, all of our society would benefit. Doling out money to individuals looks to me like a naive attempt at a quick-fix that might work for a percentage of families, but a lot of it will fall through the cracks — as do so many of our nation’s children.

I am truly and deeply concerned that hate and lies are winning the fight for the Soul of America. One side has morphed into something monstrous that will devour us. But the naïveté on the other side needs to be turned into the planning of real, longterm solutions. But as people go, I will take decency and caring any day — although they need to moderate and take time to think through some of the plans for how to really help children for generations to come.
.
If you have read this, you have seen what a moderate looks like — albeit a socially, slightly left-leaning moderate with a head for money and a strong opinion on how the government could spend wisely to do some actual good.

Boomer — a for-real moderate (an endangered species)


Very good post.

Wisdom and government seldom go together though.

[Topspinmo]

Once a $25 minimum wage was paid a hamburger MIGHT (?) go up by a dollar, like from $5 to $6. It is up to ownership and their managers to keep the price about the same by either greater efficiency, accepting a lower profit margin, lowering other costs, or going out of business - and allowing a MORE efficient ownership to take over. Or, perhaps, the customer might be willing to pay more, but that is the least likely.

There has NOT been a minimum wage increase in about 30 years - meanwhile, the GNP and efficiency soared. The rich and the ownership class took advantage of no unions and legal and illegal immigration to screw over US workers. They employed an army of lobbyists and controlled the Chamber of Commerce in an effort to prevent worker satisfaction for at least the last 30 years.


Like in Europe? I’d Austria meal averages around 100 bucks for tourist with European style pay more aNd get less. If minimum was was 25 bucks that hamburger would 30 bucks or more. One way to lean out American’s

[Topspinmo]

Y'all really really REALLY need to stop spreading this urban legend. I get that any of you who are old enough to remember what the original point of minimum wage is, are too old to remember. I get that the rest of you wouldn't have known, unless you were actually paying attention in school and maybe you have forgotten your lessons then too. It probably wasn't all that important at the time. I get that.

But I don't get why people would make these claims that are EASILY debunked, that have never been true, have never had any truth to them at all.

The National minimum wage was created in 1938 by Congress under the Fair Labor Act. It was implemented to protect workers in the labor force and provide a LIVING WAGE. That is *exactly* what was intended by it when it was created. That was its #1 purpose.

That continued to be the purpose for a couple of decades, until it ceased to keep up with inflation, and minimum wage workers became unable to live on their minimum wage. This country stopped even bothering to try and catch up for a very long time, and now we're in the situation we're in.

Sources:

Minimum Wage | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute (https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/minimum_wage)
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938: Maximum Struggle for a Minimum Wage | U.S. Department of Labor (https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/flsa1938)
Can a Family Survive on the U.S. Minimum Wage? (https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/022615/can-family-survive-us-minimum-wage.asp)
Minimum Wage: Definition, History, Pros, Cons, Purpose (https://www.thebalance.com/us-minimum-wage-what-it-is-history-and-who-must-comply-3306209)

There are dozens of other sources, and Forbes Magazine, that financial bastion of capitalistic goodness, has figured that if you account for general inflation and the general rise in wages over time, minimum wage, compared to the 25-cents/hour it was in 1938, would be $8.86/hour, not the $7.25/hour it is currently.

Funny how that minimum wage act of 1938 didn’t affect me at 14 when I worked in grocery store for 60 cents hour.

[Topspinmo]

A flat tax is an idea thrown around originally by the super-rich. With a flat tax, we would have an even greater wealth disparity than we do now. it is the WORST idea ever in economics. About as bad and laughable as the "trickle-down" theory. The only "trickling" would be from the rich's trickler to the heads of the poor.

You’re opinion, that’s it. Flat tax will never happen. The rich you talk about don’t pay their fair share under the exemption tax credit system we have, middle class has the biggest tax burden. Nobody that makes laws on taxes cares about middle class. Remember the famous tax cheat or all time said. My secretary pays more taxes than I do. The secretary don’t have army of tax cheat lawyers getting her out of her fair share does she cause the tax laws wasn’t written with her in mind.

[Topspinmo]

That's why money should NEVER be denied to primary school and early child development. Better schools make better citizens and reduce the cost of incarceration.

Not really, if you’re bad egg education not going to make difference.

[Topspinmo]

Exactly. Bank of America decided to pay their employees $25 / hour and now they have zero problem attracting GOOD employees. That tells me that the minimum wage should be between $20 and $25 in today's era of HIGH GNP and massive computer power.


Good qualified employees.

[Topspinmo]

It's a expanded tax credit. Do any of you know how much day care costs these days especially during the pandemic. Mothers had to give up their jobs because of school closings They also had to become a teacher.


Cost of having children

[Topspinmo]

Not true. Unemployment benefits are being abused but state won’t require proof of looking for work. So why would I get off my butt.
Also try living on $500.00 a week in TV with no mortgage bond or medicine for two months.
As far as giving away free money maybe we should stop paying those A holes in the that dome. They have not and don’t care what the people of this country concerns are but what the leader of the 🐴 or 🐘 say.

I agree, if they can’t work within budget and lower deficits they they don’t get paid. But, that will never ever happen.

[Topspinmo]

There’s going to be a baby boom in The Villages!!


Yes only problem the are over 30 already:ohdear:

[Topspinmo]

According to my calculations if a person has 10 kids under 5 that amounts to $3000 a month or $36,000 a year. Isn’t being dependent on the government GREAT !

If they got 10 kids they are probably drawing over 80K year from government and not even working?

[Topspinmo]

I started out with the first foreign para battalion in Vietnam in 1954 and with the first para regiment in Algeria before I saw American Army so I’m paying for the luck I had with both army’s and the the 30 something years I had as a civilian helping to keep bad governments in power or to put bad rebels into power according to where the political winds of the west were blowing I don’t know why it never made me crazy hmmm or maybe it did lol

Yes, you earned it.


You’re choice, I have over 40 year federal service, my choice. As you know us in The trenches has to deal with it.

[Stu from NYC]

Social Security......people are living longer. Social Security was calculated long ago based on people dying at age 65. It will be a simple recalculation to continue SS indefinitely. No one needs to get their shorts in a tight knot over it. The SS coming collapse is just a fiction cooked up by Russia and other conspiracy starters.

Yes people are living longer. They do need to do something to fix SS but the longer they wait the more difficult it will be.

Do you hear anyone in DC working on a fix?

[golfing eagles]

If we took my ideas and set them side by side with yours and had a survey of all US economists - I think I would win. Mine would be like a birdie and yours would be a 2 OVER par. Put THAT in your golf bag and smoke it!

If we took your ideas, even if supported by "economists", we'd all be living in a socialist third world craphole