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The Inside Story Of The 1996 Welfare Reform Law

Cormac McCarthy

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Work over Welfare: The Inside Story of the 1996 Welfare Reform Law

by Ron Haskins

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6039 KB
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Print length	:	450 pages
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The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA),also known as welfare reform, was a major overhaul of the United States welfare system. It was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on August 22, 1996, and took effect on July 1, 1997.

Welfare reform was a controversial piece of legislation. Supporters argued that it was necessary to reduce welfare dependency and promote self-sufficiency. Opponents argued that it would hurt poor families and children. The debate over welfare reform continues today.

The Origins Of Welfare Reform

The welfare system in the United States has its roots in the Poor Laws of England. These laws, which were first enacted in the 16th century, provided assistance to the poor and needy. In the United States, the first welfare programs were established in the 19th century. These programs were typically administered by local governments and provided food, shelter, and other basic needs to the poor.

In the 20th century, the federal government began to play a larger role in welfare. The Social Security Act of 1935 established a national system of old-age insurance, unemployment insurance, and aid to families with dependent children (AFDC). AFDC was the primary welfare program for single mothers and their children.

By the 1990s, AFDC had become a major target of criticism. Critics argued that the program was too generous and that it discouraged work. They also argued that the program was too bureaucratic and that it failed to provide adequate support to families.

The 1996 Welfare Reform Law

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 was designed to address the problems with AFDC. The law made a number of significant changes to the welfare system, including:

Replacing AFDC with a new program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Limiting the lifetime of TANF benefits to five years.
Requiring TANF recipients to work in order to receive benefits.
Providing states with more flexibility in designing their TANF programs.

The 1996 welfare reform law was a major change to the welfare system in the United States. The law has been credited with reducing welfare dependency and promoting self-sufficiency. However, the law has also been criticized for hurting poor families and children.

The Impact Of Welfare Reform

The impact of welfare reform has been mixed. The law has been credited with reducing welfare dependency and promoting self-sufficiency. However, the law has also been criticized for hurting poor families and children.

One of the most significant impacts of welfare reform has been a reduction in welfare dependency. In 1996, there were 12.6 million people receiving AFDC. By 2000, that number had fallen to 5.8 million. This decline in welfare dependency has been attributed to a number of factors, including the work requirements in the 1996 welfare reform law.

Welfare reform has also been credited with promoting self-sufficiency. In 1996, only 38% of AFDC recipients were employed. By 2000, that number had increased to 58%. This increase in employment has been attributed to the work requirements in the 1996 welfare reform law.

However, welfare reform has also been criticized for hurting poor families and children. Critics argue that the work requirements in the law make it difficult for single mothers to care for their children. They also argue that the time limits on TANF benefits force families into poverty.

The debate over welfare reform continues today. Supporters argue that the law has been a success in reducing welfare dependency and promoting self-sufficiency. Opponents argue that the law has hurt poor families and children.

Work over Welfare: The Inside Story of the 1996 Welfare Reform Law

by Ron Haskins

4.5 out of 5