Half of Americans receive government benefits in record numbers

Half of Americans receive government benefits in record numbers Bloomberg News reported that Congress’s inability to curb the U.S. budget deficit is often blamed on political dysfunction, but more...

Bloomberg News reported that Congress’s inability to curb the U.S. budget deficit is often blamed on political dysfunction, but the bigger obstacle may come from the American people. The Census Bureau noted that a record 49% of Americans (a total of approximately 147 million people) now have someone in their household receiving at least one government benefit. The White House Budget Office estimates that 63% of all federal spending this year will be used to pay people who currently do not provide any services to the government. In 1940 this ratio was only 18% and in 1975 it was 46%. These numbers will continue to increase in the coming years. The baby boomers, a total of 75 million people, are just now beginning to retire, and President Obama's health insurance reform will provide health insurance benefits to more than 30 million people. The number of people relying on the federal safety net has increased rapidly, but the congressional super committee must propose a plan to reduce the federal budget by 1.5 trillion yuan before Thanksgiving. Otherwise, interior and defense spending will automatically be cut across the board by 1.2 trillion yuan. Sen. Jon Kyl, a member of the 12-member super committee, said the surge in welfare recipients was troubling because it meant many people were "hooked on the government" and opposed any cuts. The increase in the welfare population is caused by a combination of factors, the most important of which is the economy. The unemployment rate has remained around 9% for 30 consecutive months, which has greatly increased the demand for unemployment benefits, food stamps and Medicaid. The number of people receiving food stamps alone has increased by 72% in the past five years, reaching a record 45.3 million people. This year, the cost of food stamps is expected to reach 80 billion yuan, which is more than the budget of most federal departments. The costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are also staggering, and more than 2 million former service members have begun using government-guaranteed health and education benefits. In addition, the first baby boomers began collecting Social Security benefits three years ago and can begin enrolling in Medicare this year. In addition, the government has repeatedly expanded various welfare benefits in recent years, causing more and more people to "depend on the government". Once the welfare gate is opened, it is difficult to close it. The people are unwilling to sacrifice welfare and do not agree to raise taxes. Politicians do not dare to make mistakes in order to please voters, and even continue to use public generosity to do favors, making it difficult for the government to make a living without rice.