Welfare Shock: Any Way Out? : Swelling rolls hit strapped local governments

Southern California is reeling from a considerable jump in the welfare rolls, but the problem is not a disaster, at least not yet, and two developments could help contain the problem. One is an end to the recession, of course. The other is an end to dilly-dallying in Sacramento. The Legislature has to take up the issue of welfare reform.

In Los Angeles County, one in seven residents now depends on some form of public assistance such as welfare, food stamps, subsidized medical care or general assistance.

The federal government finances about half the cost of the largest and most traditional welfare program, Aid to Families With Dependent Children, and covers most of the expense of food stamps. During this recession, the demand for help has naturally risen--nowhere more noticeably than in food stamps, now being used by the newly unemployed, and in general relief, a last-resort program that helps destitute adults. Yet when “welfare” is discussed, typically that means AFDC, the best known and, these days, the easiest political scapegoat around.

Whatever the cause in enrollment surge, there is no denying the growing imbalance between the increasing demand for benefits and decreasing state revenues. Faced with multiple fiscal challenges, Gov. Wilson has proposed major cuts in the AFDC program. His proposals are contained in a ballot initiative that would lock the changes into the Constitution.

But Sacramento could also deal with welfare reform in the form of legislation. And that is exactly where the welfare debate should be resolved. That discussion must include more funding for GAIN, the state workfare program. But Democrats must also be willing to discuss when and where to cut or limit benefits. Otherwise, Wilson’s more punishing initiative will surely wind up on the ballot.

Beset with its own budget problems, Sacramento is not expected to help counties, which must pay the entire cost of the General Relief program. San Diego County has tried to limit to three months the amount of time anyone can collect these benefits. In L.A. County, General Relief has grown by 38.4% since December of 1990.

There’s sad news and encouraging news in this. The recession has swollen the ranks of the desperate. But, assuming the recession has an end, a rebounding economy will bring some relief to the employable. That’s why the time for the Legislature to initiate much-needed welfare reform is now.

Many More on Aid

Increase in aid recipients since December, 1990, in Los Angeles County.

Aid to Families With Dependent Children (AFDC): 13%

General Relief: 38.4%

Source: Los Angeles County Department of Social Services, February report

Many More on Aid, Los Angeles Times