David Hartman is CEO of Hartland Bank, N.A., in Austin, Texas. The value of the full package of welfare benefits for a typical recipient in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia exceeds the poverty level. In nine states welfare pays more than the average first-year salary for a teacher. In 29 states it pays more than the average starting salary for a secretary. And in the six most generous states it pays more than the entry-level salary for a computer programmer.
Welfare benefits are especially generous in large cities.
As a result, recipients are likely to choose welfare over work, thus increasing long-term dependence. To view this entire document please click here .