STOP THE BILL THAT FORCES MENTALLY ILL PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS TO WORK!

The House of Representatives passed Bill 2842, also known as the Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act, in June 2017. This bill makes it mandatory for public assistance recipients to be employed both during and after receiving public assistance benefits. While it is a noble attempt at changing the flawed system we have come to know, it has further implications than most realize because most will not admit they have a stereotypical view of those receiving public assistance. The House then published an amendment to this act which ensures the mandatory employment component of this bill is enforced. This becomes problematic with individuals who cannot obtain adequate childcare, or those without reliable transportation or, perhaps most problematic, public assistance beneficiaries who are not addressing their mental health issues. This bill was passed and will most likely be signed by the current administration with haste. When it comes to welfare reform, there are no easy, simple solutions however, it would be more effective to have mentally ill public assistance beneficiaries have the OPTION to enter and retain employment once they are stabilized and feeling well enough to be in society as a productive citizen. This bill is in direct conflict with National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics value of dignity and worth of the person; it places more value on money than it does human beings. Forcing an individual who is not well to maintain a job while receiving public assistance benefits is unethical, it is not cost effective and we need to stop it!