Just so we're clear...Welfare programs are State not Federal.
I grew up in PA, tried raising my family in PA.
I got out of there. Too much negativity and it was starting to make me negative.
I got away from cities too. Too much oppression and hatred.
My advice is to get as far away from the 13 Colonial States as you can and opt for town life over major cities. The Midwest states are wonderful. Full of life and progress. I'll never go back to the dreaded 13. Oppressive and depressing.
I currently live in Mississippi, one of the poorest states in the nation. Funny that I haven't heard anything about welfare problems at all? I personally don't know one person on welfare.
I'm sure there are people on it, I just don't know anyone that is.
I do know many that work and pay their bills.
NOLA is depressing and oppressive but at least they party. There is always something happening but that is how it is in the South. People are alive and flourishing. NOLA is about 50 miles from me. Far enough away to keep the madness at bay but close enough to enjoy the entertainment.
I lived in Missouri while raising my children. St. Louis was a madhouse but the surrounding sub-cities were a lot of fun with many great adventures. I lived 50 miles from St. Louis too.
You might consider that your environment might be influencing your expectations in a negative way? Perhaps that is why I see most of your topics as negative? I have grown accustomed to being around people that actually like where they live.
http://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/public-welfare/public-welfare-state-federal-welfare-relationships/
Common knowledge.
The fact is that there is medicare which is federal.
There is SSI which is federal.
There is medicaid which is determined and distribulted by each state.
Food stamps and Cash Assistance, is also determined by each state.
HUD is FHA (federal). HUD Grants to states are fund limited.
I qualify for medicare and disability SSI which is federal.
I do not qualify for state welfare at all.
I might qualify for HUD but have never tried.
I PAY for medicare and Rx.
The SSI Disability is from my contribution. It is MY money and I pay no tax on it.