As a small business owner, I believe in individual responsibility.  I believe in hard work.  I believe that every citizen has a responsibility to provide for him or herself.

I also understand that there are situations and circumstances in which some Americans cannot provide for themselves.  We've all been in situations in which we could use a hand up.  As a Christian nation, we have always believed in helping each other out during tough times.  While I believe that these difficult moments are best solved by families and local communities, I understand that the government has a role in helping its citizenry through difficult times.  But I do not believe in free rides.

During the 1990's a Republican led effort helped tens of thousands of Americans get off welfare.  They did this by creating incentives to work.  There is no greater empowerment than standing on your own two feet and supporting yourself.  I will work with conservatives in congress to reform the welfare system to encourage recipients to diligently seek employment.

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