Livingston County Senator introduces volunteering clause for welfare recipients: An editorial response

After hearing about the legislation to require those on state benefits to do community service, I can't stop thinking about the implications of this.  The legislation, proposed by Livingston County Senator Joe Hune, is aimed at having citizens give back.

"People benefiting from public assistance should do something to give back to the community that is providing them with a helping hand and that is exactly what my bill does."- Sen. Joe Hune. (WILX- Lansing)

I see where the Senator is headed but feel there are some points to consider.  Let me first qualify my statements by telling you that I'm a college instructor who sees this entitlement all too often.  I will also say it is one of the worst parts of my job.  I hold an MA in Social Sciences and consider myself to be liberal.

When I spent 6 months on unemployment in 2009, I volunteered.  That volunteer work helped me to land a job.  I was fortunate enough that by that point, I was just about through with a Masters Degree.  I had both skills and education.  Many of those individuals are not that fortunate.  Here are some points I think the legislation needs to address:

1- Childcare.  Will you provide childcare while individuals are volunteering?  Childcare is expensive to anyone, especially those on the system.

2- Education Exemption- Will you provide exemptions for those seeking new skills through education?  If not an exemption, will you reduce the amount of volunteering required?

3- What will the guidelines be?  Does helping an elderly neighbor count?  Or must they volunteer through a nonprofit?  How will you monitor these?

Finally, I hope that those supporting this bill understand the dynamics of poverty.  The vast majority of those in poverty are women and children.  If you really want to make a lasting impact on poverty in Michigan, you need to address one of the core issues; child care.  

Childcare costs on average 150-200/week per child.  For one child that is a monthly average of $600.  For two children it can be much closer to $1,000.  A minimum wager worker, who works full time will gross $1,184 at 40 hours a week.  However, as you know, many part-time workers don't work 40 hours a week.  If they are paying most of that, or even half that to child care, it doesn't make much sense for them to work.  Therefore it keeps them on the system.  

If you want lasting impact you need to look at the childcare piece and extending childcare benefits to at least 2x that of the poverty line.  If Governor Snyder is serious about early childhood education, this could make an impact by reducing this cost/ need.  I believe your proposed legislation is not created with ill intent.  I'm certain that volunteering can bring about a sense of self worth and boost confidence.  I even require it of my Human Relations students.  Still, I hope you have addressed some of the larger issues here.

Childcare is considered a basic right in other nations.  Some areas have co-op preschools.  Here parents volunteer their time which dramatically reduces costs.  It seems that the government needs to consider something to make a lasting impact on poverty.