Get to Work or Move Out [WATCH]

Scott Turner outlined support for a proposed rule that would implement work requirements and time limits for able-bodied Section 8 voucher recipients, arguing that long-term dependency in subsidized housing does not serve those it is intended to help.

“Half of able bodied section eight voucher recipients, for example, will spend more than 15 years in subsidized housing,” Turner said. “50% spend 15 years in subsidized housing.”

He compared that time frame to major milestones in American history.

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“That’s longer than it took to carve out Mount Rushmore, by the way, and it’s also double the amount of time that it took us to win our independence in our country,” Turner said.

Turner argued that allowing individuals to remain in public housing for extended periods harms rather than helps.

“We’re not doing the most vulnerable people in our country any favors when we let them just wither in public housing for decades,” he said. “We’re talking about able bodied, able minded people.”

He criticized what he described as a bureaucratic approach to assistance.

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“It might feel loving to some people, to some bureaucrats, but enablement that destroys lives is not loving,” Turner said. “Enablement that destroys lives is not loving.”

Turner said the proposal is intended to promote what he described as practical reform.

“We want to have compassionate common sense,” he said.

He emphasized that work requirements and time limits should not be viewed as punitive.

“Work Requirements and time limits are not punishment, and I don’t want you to view them this way,” Turner said. “They’re not punishment.”

He said employment offers empowerment.

“They’re some of the best ways to restore dignity and the opportunity,” Turner stated. “Earning a paycheck is empowering. Getting a welfare check is not to earn a paycheck empowers us, no matter how big or small the check is, but to just to get a welfare check is not empowering us, and so that’s what we want to change for our precious citizens.”

Turner said the proposal could lead to measurable economic benefits.

“We’re estimating that this proposal could mean that Americans that we support could take home up to 51 million in increased income across our country,” he said. “Let that sink in.”

He added that the changes are about more than finances.

“But it’s not just about the money, work requirements and time limits and rich lives by improving life expectancy, quality of life, and general well being,” Turner said. “So it’s not just about earning the money. It’s about life expectancy, the quality of life for people and general well being.”

Turner clarified that the rule would apply only to able-bodied adults capable of working.

“And I want to emphasize that this new rule will only apply to able bodied adults who are able and capable of work,” he said.

He addressed criticism of the proposal directly.

“HUD is not kicking out senior citizens. We’re not kicking kids out into the streets,” Turner said. “In spite of what are some of the critics may say, and you’re hearing it from me, we’re not kicking out senior citizens and we’re not kicking kids out into the streets.”

Turner said the goal is to ensure housing assistance is prioritized for those in genuine need.

“In fact, work requirements and time limits will help make more room for Americans who desperately need our help, people who actually need the help,” he said. “This will make more room for them.”

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