What has been the effect of welfare reform?
In the beginning, the reduction in the number of TANF and Food Stamp recipients surpassed all projections. The reduction has continued since 2000 in TANF but Food Stamp Program participation is increasing. The degree of TANF reduction has significantly varied from state to state. Generally, the greater reductions have come in the states which enacted shorter time limits. There has been a dramatic corresponding increase in the percentage of single women with children who are in the labor force. To a certain extent the decline in the TANF participation rate is the result of the expiration of time limits for long-term recipients. There is as of yet no detailed studies as to what the effect of time limits have been on these individuals and their children. What further reform is being proposed? The Bush Administration has proposed to significantly expand welfare reform by: • Increasing the required level of work for poor parents from 30 hours to 40 hours a week. • Increasing the percentage
