We have been waging a “War on Poverty” for decades. It hasn’t worked. Yes, there have been some improvements under various welfare reforms, but too many of our social programs have the effect of locking Americans into a cycle of dependence rather than helping them achieve their dreams for themselves and their families.

In my years as an owner of daycare centers, I have seen it too many times: A single mom gets a job, makes a little money — and loses the benefits she needs to keep climbing the ladder. It shouldn’t “cost” her money to do the right thing.
America has never guaranteed equal incomes or wealth. What we should be striving to insure is equal opportunity. A child growing up in poverty should have a fair shot at a better life, whether that means access to community college or technical school, or a social safety net that rewards, rather than penalizes, hard work and progress.
Government’s role is not to be our overlord or a nanny. It is to remove unfair obstacles, while providing the basic support every American needs to achieve and take advantage of the opportunities this great nation offers. That’s not socialism. It’s not Big Brother. It’s making sure the American Dream is within reach to all.