Politics

Newt Gingrich Makes The Case For Welfare Reform

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Nick Givas Media And Politics Reporter
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Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich said the Trump administration should work with Congress to tackle welfare reform in a Thursday op-ed published by Fox News.

“The rapidly growing economy is proof that we need welfare reform,” Gingrich begins. “Having more job openings than people looking for work is a good problem to have — but it is still a problem.” (RELATED: Jim Jordan Schools Chris Cuomo On Welfare Reform)

Gingrich claims the only way to close the gap is to increase the number of people in the workforce.

“The Jobs and Opportunity with Benefits and Services (JOBS) for Success Act, sponsored by Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., was reported last month by the House Ways and Means Committee,” Gingrich wrote. “It would help our country meet the demands of the growing economy by putting in place popular reforms that will help get millions of Americans out of dependency and back to work.”

He goes on to blame the Obama administration for undoing many of the welfare reforms passed during his tenure as speaker and said the left’s policies have led to increased poverty and more dependence on government.

“These are simple, common sense reforms — and they are very popular. Ninety percent of American voters support the idea that able-bodied adults should have to work, train, or volunteer to receive welfare benefits,” Gingrich wrote. “Also, 89 percent of the American people believe work requirements help people get out of dependency and off welfare.”

The former House speaker claimed his reforms helped lessen enrollment in dependency programs by 60 percent and feels those numbers can be duplicated under the Trump administration.

“This welfare reform is a key part of the Republican innovation agenda,” he concluded. “It’s a big step toward closing the jobs gap — and it would continue to show Americans that Republicans are here to make life better for all Americans.”

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