When I graduated from university, I owed the govt. $50,000.00 in student loans. Had I been on welfare with my two children for the same period of time, the govt. would have given me over $50,000.00.

You figure it out. If you ask me, I was punished for pulling my life together and was, in fact, legislated into poverty.

There is no govt. incentive to 'better your lot in life'. Thats the biggest problem of all.

BTW - I totally disagree with those of you who say that poverty is a result of poor choices, lifestyle or behaviour. Not all people who live in poverty fit those categories. In fact, most of the women I know would do anything to escape the cycle but, like I said, it is almost impossible to better your life. If you attempt to do that, you are punished and put in your place.