The welfare program as it is today is in dire need of a major overhaul. The current system pretty much encourages young girls to have children without the proper family structure, and without the proper education to obtain the level of job needed to care for a family. The welfare system is well-intentioned, but is being abused throughout urban America and its territories (including Puerto Rico). The way the system is designed, sometimes it is more advantageous for the recipient to go on welfare than getting a minimum wage job. He/she makes more money, without working. Where's the incentive to work? This problem transcends political parties and agendas. It is a long-running problem, which only stands to get worse. My fear is that this financial burden will continue to hurt the working middle class, and in many ways also affects the future Social Security benefits for those of us who work extremely hard to make a living.