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I thought in this country, the best social program was a job. Yet minimum wage jobs aren't paying enough to keep families out of poverty.

There is no social program in this country that is as important as a good job that pays well, that gives someone an opportunity to go to work, have some security, have benefits, and take care of their family and have a good life.

Our growing, robust economy is able to provide the average American citizen access to the best social program there is - a steady job.

The conventional viewpoint says we need a jobs program and we need to cut welfare. Just the opposite! We need more welfare and fewer jobs.

Quality child care, health insurance coverage, and training make it possible for former welfare recipients to get, and keep, jobs.

Social service has always been my priority, and I want to help the poor.

Understand, this is unemployment insurance. It's not welfare, as a lot of my Republican colleagues like to suggest it is. You pay into it when you're working. You get help when you're not.

Our foremost priority is the removal of poverty, hunger and malnutrition, disease and illiteracy. All social welfare programmes must be implemented efficiently. Agencies involved in the delivery of services should have a strong sense of duty and work in a transparent, corruption-free, time-bound and accountable manner.