View Research by Author - LaDonna Pavetti

Publications

The Food Stamp Program and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program have responded very differently to the unprecedented challenges that the current recession has posed to the nation's safety net. The Food Stamp Program, a federal entitlement program, has responded quickly to rising need: nationally, caseloads have increased by 4.6 million households since the beginning of the downturn. TANF, a fixed block grant provided directly to the states, has lagged behind: caseloads have increased by just 10 percent. For both programs, the recession has highlighted areas needing improvement to strengthen the safety net for this and future recessions.

The Food Stamp Program and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program have responded very differently to the unprecedented challenges that the current recession has posed to the nation's safety net. The Food Stamp Program, a federal entitlement program, has responded quickly to rising need: nationally, caseloads have increased by 4.6 million households since the beginning of the downturn. TANF, a fixed block grant provided directly to the states, has lagged behind: caseloads have increased by just 10 percent. For both programs, the recession has highlighted areas needing improvement to strengthen the safety net for this and future recessions.

This study examines key policies and program strategies used by states and localities to make their welfare systems more employment focused, particularly with respect to Work First strategies that emphasize quick entry into the labor market. The report is based on the experiences of six local sites in five states (IN, MA, OR, VA, WI) in 1997. The report provides an overview of: Work First programs, organizational and staffing strategies, exemptions, sanctions, time limits, earned income disregard, diversion. State administrative data was also used to examine client program experiences and participation patterns over a 12 month period.

There are two Highlights for each state. The Highlights that focus on health cover Medicaid, other public insurance programs, the health care marketplace, and the role of public providers. 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.

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