Our current system discourages work for the poor. For instance, I know a mom of 2 and the family is on medical assistance (caid or care, I never remember which is which). She was offered a raise, but if she takes the raise it is not enough to cover her part of the insurance premiums that she could get through work and if she is $1 over the threshold she loses all the medical assistance. Also, the taxpayers are basically paying for their healthcare so I am not sure there is a savings there.