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Sunday, May 27, 2012

Recovery? Half of American Households Living on Government Benefits

Some astoundingly grim news on the "economic recovery" front: half of American households are receiving government funds to support themselves. No matter which way you slice it, this number isn't good news for the Obama administration -- they can spin the jobs numbers by ignoring the number of people who dropped out of the workforce, but this statistic is pretty straightforward.

The 49.1% of the population in a household that gets benefits is up from 30% in the early 1980s and 44.4% as recently as the third quarter of 2008.

The increase in recent years is likely due in large part to the lingering effects of the recession. As of early 2011, 15% of people lived in a household that received food stamps, 26% had someone enrolled in Medicaid and 2% had a member receiving unemployment benefits. Families doubling up to save money or pool expenses also is likely leading to more multigenerational households. But even without the effects of the recession, there would be a larger reliance on government.

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7 comments:

Anonymous said...

And it will only worsen if Obama is re-elected. Maker sure you are registered to vote and then go vote in November!

Anonymous said...

Like climbing Everest because it's there.As long as assistance is available people will not only get it,they will develop an increasing need for it.

Anonymous said...

We will end up working for China as basically slaves to pay back the debt.

Anonymous said...

Ben Franklin wrote that the best way to eliminate poverty is to make the condition uncomfortable.

A good thought but in keeping the balance there has got to be a robust capitalist system in place with plenty of jobs to go around.

Then for those who are truly in need of assistance it will be there.

Anonymous said...

I guess this means all of you think half of america is just lazy and don't want to work. What else are these families supposed to do when there are no jobs. Do you think they all want to be getting assistance. I'm sure they don't. I really hope that all of you that complain about these assistance programs lose your jobs one day and need help after the programs are gone. Like 10:11. There may be some that like living that way but most would much rather be working.

Anonymous said...

4:50 - I realize there are alot of folks who would prefer to work. Look at Maryland - companies leaving left and right. No work here and it's not always possible for people to relocate.

Mitt Romney - I believe the GOP hit paydirt with him. As a capitalist he will pave the way for companies to grow and hire. Hopefully even Maryland democrats who seem to have run this state into the ground will give in and help make a better business climate.

Hang in there and take your assistance but don't EVER stop looking. Be creative. Good luck and God Bless.

Anonymous said...

Romney is only in it for him and his friends to make more money. Just like the Bushes and Cheneys.