The welfare reform debate is not over, despite declarations of success from many politicians and commentators. Welfare Reform: The Next Act draws on six years of in-depth research to explore the implications of 1996's welfare reform. The authors examine all facets of the new system: its effects on family structure and children, its success in moving welfare recipients to work, its ability to reach hard-to-serve populations, its effects on immigrants, and its disproportionate impacts across racial and ethnic lines. It is the most rigorous and comprehensive analysis available—and an invaluable tool for determining how the new welfare system can meet the needs of vulnerable families through all phases of the economic cycle.
"Welfare Reform: The Next Act provides a strong analytical overview of this major welfare experiment to devolve responsibility to the states. The wealth of data and objective presentation will make a huge contribution and will, in fact, frame the forthcoming debate on welfare reauthorization. It is a must read for all policymakers, analysts, and advocates who care about the future of welfare in the United States."
—Raymond C. Scheppach, Executive Director, National Governors Association
"The first comprehensive analysis of the initial impact of welfare reform. A balanced, thoughtful effort to answer the most important questions about the TANF program."
—Donna E. Shalala, Ph.D, Former Secretary of Health and Human Services
