The United States government was established to protect Americans. That does not mean it needs to be a pillow for individuals who do not work. There needs to be changes made to the current welfare system. However, one that seems be on the right track is the welfare-to-work program.
             The welfare-to-work program offers important lessons about the systems serving the employment needs of low-income workers. In this fast-changing policy environment, decision-makers should take time to critically re-evaluate the respective roles of the welfare and workforce systems. While arguments can be made for either system, the workforce development system seems most appropriate, given the pre-existing employment expertise and the ability to offer services to welfare recipients long after they have transitioned off of welfare. In fact, by expanding the availability of post-employment services, the WTW program may be setting a precedent for serving a larger number of low-wage working people. Over the long term, the workforce development system could evolve into one which provides much more comprehensive post-employment services to all low-wage workers. It could help them advance their careers; possibly obtaining more education, have the opportunity for higher wages and becoming financially self-sufficient.
             Even though the workforce system has not had a historically strong focus on welfare recipients, there is no reason why it can't adapt and serve them more effectively. Some employers may still view welfare programs and welfare recipients with an underserved stigma that will limit their willingness to work with and hire welfare recipients. Employers need to understand that a majority of these individuals participating in the WTW programs are looking for a way out and for the freedom to be less dependent on welfare. Employers only hear the bad stories of participants and need to hear a few of the good stories. For instance,
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