I know this is a HIGHLY political topic. And I don't really care for politial debates at all and this is bound to stir one. I imagine I will regret posting this by morning. Anyways, . . .

I know a family that is on WIC and receives various government assistance. They have two kids and work minimum wage jobs. On top of food stamps they get cash assistance every month. Their daycare (the same daycare my kids attend) is paid for by the government and so is their healthcare (which is more comprehensive than my healthcare). And they also get a family membership to the YMCA (wish I could afford a membership). I know there is more assistance than this going on, but this is just what I know about. And then, I find out they had an $8,000 tax return. $8,000. Are they even paying taxes?

Is there any incentive for them to try and do better for themselves or to get off welfare? How do these programs work? I am hoping this post does not come across in the wrong way. This comes from a place of curiosity and wanting to understand (not a political stance).