Welfare Demand Up, But Not State Dollars

(CBS)  A few months ago 25-year-old Tacarra Groves became a new mom but she never dreamed she would have to resort to welfare to take care of little Trinity.

"I don't think anyone grows up to say I want to be on public assistance," Groves told CBS News correspondent Cynthia Bowers.

But unable to find to work after being laid off from her job as a baggage handler at O'Hare, she found herself in line at the welfare office.

"There's so many people in there, and just the wait," she said.

Lots of new people are in line because for the first time in 15 years, welfare numbers are up in at least 26 states. In Illinois it's 3 percent, but in South Carolina that number is 23 percent; in Florida, it's 14 percent and in California, it's 10 percent.

The demand for social services is increasing at a time when states just don't have the money to meet the need. Around the country state revenues are down by more than 6 percent. That could add up to more than $180 billion in shortfalls over the next three years.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is rallying the troops trying to push through a 50 percent income tax hike to close his state's $12 billion budget gap.

In the meantime Illinois is cutting back on subsidizing funerals for the poor. In California where the deficit is $24 billion, tens of thousands of jobs will be cut. New Hampshire, $30 million in the hole, wants to sell 27 state parks, and in Hawaii, state workers are being forced to take three days a month off with out pay.

Not having money is a problem Tacarra understands - but one she doesn't expect government to solve.

"Thank God we do have assistance that we can go to if we need help, but I want to get off of it as soon as possible," she said.

But how soon that will be depends on when the economy turns around - and Tacarra can build a future based on work, not welfare.

[vnveteran-2009]

No mention of a husband or father. These relationships have now been replaced with the term "boyfriend." This gets the mom on the welfare roll. If she were married she may not qualify for the welfare if the "father" has an income. As it is now she can keep her welfare and benefit from the income of the "boyfriend." Great story CBS. Please continue running stories like this. Republicans could not run a better campaign ad.

[Dgunner]

Cbs doesn't report on the impact of dead beat parents, not in the five years i've followed them . Could it be the editor has one sleeping on thier couch ignoring thier grand childrens needs?

[mjvwsr]

no mention of dad

[smaclaggan]

It is disappointing that in this otherwise well done story there was no mention whatsoever of the baby's father, if Tacarra Groves is married or not, where her family is and how they are or are not assisting her etc.

I assume she is a single mom & until this unfortunate trend is addressed & CBS continues to ignore this serious problem, nothing will be corrected. It is highly likely little Trinity will follow in her mother's footsteps and CBS will report on her story in about 15 years.

SM