The Truth About Entitlement Programs

Can I Live, Inc takes the position that all Americans are created equal and possessed of inalienable rights to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness—and to justice under the law.

Yet the entitlements provided to millions of families living at or below poverty are structured to keep them poor, while entitlements offered to wealthier Americans and corporations assist in wealth creation and enhanced prosperity.

It's Time for Equitable Policy Reform

It is a widely held view that current public housing policies contribute to an addictive reliance on government assistance, making it difficult for the poor to change their circumstances for the better. 

Too often public housing residents make a very simple decision not to work.

Why? Because it costs more to work than it does to do nothing and sit at home. Outdated policies continue to contribute to complacency and dependency, thus contributing to the growth of poverty.

Policy reform will help provide affordable housing, while at the same time, place more emphasis on helping public housing residents earn more and break their dependence on governmental assistance.

It's a Financial "Win-Win"

Public housing serves millions of economically disadvantaged citizens who do not have to be employed nor seek work or educational opportunities to continue receiving housing subsidies. 

As long as a resident is compliant with their lease agreement, he or she may reside in public housing for life which contributes to dependency and abuse of the system.

Imagine if at least 1 million women, who currently receive welfare, were no longer being provided these subsidies. What if these women were properly educated and trained to find jobs that moved them out of poverty?

The results would not only benefit the lives of the women who have been able to lift themselves out of poverty and government reliance, but it would also add new revenue to local and national economies. 

Data collected by the staff of Can I Live, Inc illustrates that if 1 million women, who are currently on welfare, are removed from its rolls over a 10-year period, as a result of gainful employment, would pay an additional $19 billion in federal income taxes.