The number of people living off welfare and food stamps across America has increased over the past year. There has been an increase in the number of food stamp recipients in every state. Today, 19 percent more people receive food stamps than did in March 2008. Welfare caseloads have increased in 23 of the 30 most populous American states, according to a survey by the Wall Street Journal and the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Journal reported Monday.

The biggest increases in welfare claims come from the states with the highest unemployment rates. Oregon’s count increased by 27 percent from May 2008 to May 2009. South Carolina’s increased by 23 percent and California’s 10 percent from March 2008 to March 2009.

In seven states, including Texas, Georgia and Michigan, the number of people claiming welfare has actually fallen. Nevertheless, the number of people claiming welfare is now rising across the country for the first time since President Bill Clinton reluctantly approved a Republican welfare reform bill in 1996.

This rise in welfare rolls comes at a time when states are short on cash. Thus, welfare budgets are being strained and funds for job-training programs are low.

Economic conditions are hurting families across the country, and this in turn is putting a strain on the finances of an already-indebted United States. For steps you can take to keep your job in these troubled economic times, read “How to Keep Your Job in a Recession.” •