Not ‘Well,’ Not ‘Fair’

Feds and States Steal $5.2 Billion+ Welfare Funds

Family portrait outside their motel room. Photo Diane Nilan

Vindication does no good for the millions of families screwed by the clueless men sitting in our nation’s capitol. We who predicted the inevitable rise of poverty 25 years ago when welfare was slashed were correct. To no surprise, family homelessness also skyrocketed.

In the 25 years since Bill Clinton’s signature “accomplishment” to “end welfare as we know it,” we have witnessed the inevitable atrocities caused by this paucity of resources. Where did the money, supposedly set aside to help families, go?

To the states.

“Across the nation, more than $5.2 billion in federal funds that are supposed to be going toward fighting poverty are instead sitting unused in state bank accounts.…” ProPublica, The Cruel Failure of Welfare Reform in the Southwest, 12/30/21

As we predicted:

• Clinton & Company’s welfare effort would not benefit struggling families, instead plying cash into states’ and federal coffers. Check.
• A dreadful rise in family homelessness would occur. Check.
• Fewer families get any assistance. Check.
• Child support dollars channeled to federal/state governments instead of kids. Check.