View Research by Author - Amy-Ellen Duke

Citation URL: http://www.urban.org/AmyEllenDuke

Recent changes in the U.S. income support system have substantially increased the financial incentives for low-income adults to work. In a recent analysis documenting the new structure of work incentives in 13 states, Acs et al. (1998) reported that income transfer benefits to low-income families are high enough so that a full-time, full-year working mother of two children earning only the minimum wage can escape poverty. The analysis showed that work incentives were especially generous to those moving from not working at all to working at a low-wage job.

Because states varied considerably in their use of waivers, substantial diversity already existed among states' welfare programs when Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) was created in mid-1996. This paper examines how this diversity influenced initial state actions regarding TANF. It highlights trends and patterns in policy as well as choices made in light of states' historical approaches to welfare.

There are two Highlights for each state. The income support and social services Highlights look at basic income support programs, employment and training programs, child care, child support enforcement, and the last-resort safety net. The Highlights capture policies in place and planned in 1996 and early 1997.

The state reports describe the safety net and health care programs in place for low-income people on the eve of welfare reform. The reports also analyze the particular circumstances that are shaping the state's response to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). The state reports are based on case studies in the respective state.

There are two Highlights for each state. The income support and social services Highlights look at basic income support programs, employment and training programs, child care, child support enforcement, and the last-resort safety net. The Highlights capture policies in place and planned in 1996 and early 1997.

The state reports describe the safety net and health care programs in place for low-income people on the eve of welfare reform. The reports also analyze the particular circumstances that are shaping the state's response to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). The state reports are based on case studies in the respective state.

There are two Highlights for each state. The income support and social services Highlights look at basic income support programs, employment and training programs, child care, child support enforcement, and the last-resort safety net. The Highlights capture policies in place and planned in 1996 and early 1997.

The state reports describe the safety net and health care programs in place for low-income people on the eve of welfare reform. The reports also analyze the particular circumstances that are shaping the state's response to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). The state reports are based on case studies in the respective state.

This is volume one of a study to examine key implementation and operational issues in five states—Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, Utah, and Vermont—that are currently conducting welfare reform demonstration projects. Reforms in these states emphasize strategies to increase participation in work and work-related activities. Discussions with state and local officials, case record reviews, and management reports form the basis for this volume of the report. Also highlighted are lessons learned in these states as they instituted significant and numerous changes in their welfare systems.

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