This contradicts the Washington Post of 12/17/08 ["Welfare Rolls See
First Climb in Years], which emphasizes the individual states where the
rolls have increased. The overall decline from 1996 to 2008 is 66% (12.3
million to 4.25 million recipients), with a very slight uptick over the
last year (+10,000). The article demonstrates that the 1996 legislation
effectively neutered the program, removing it from that modest list of
social provisions that Americans can count.on.
A sidebar: apparently, Jason DeParle has returned to the New York Times
to write about welfare, so we'll probably see more articles like this in
the months ahead.
Joel Blau
Jim Devine wrote:
from SLATE:
The New York Times leads with a look at how the number of people receiving
welfare has remained near historically low levels despite increasing
unemployment and the ongoing economic crisis. A total of 18 states went as far
as to cut their welfare rolls last year, which is raising fears that the
government isn't doing enough to help those in need during turbulent times.
When welfare was reformed under President Bill Clinton, many critics cautioned that while the new
program might work well during flush times, it would fail to help those in need during an economic
downturn. These critics now see the decreasing welfare rolls in many states as evidence of "an
obstacle-ridden program that chases off the poor, even when times are difficult," as the NYT puts
it. Supporters contend that those in need often don't seek help right away, but 20 states expanded
their welfare rolls last year. In addition, every state expanded its food-stamp program, suggesting
"a safety net at odds with itself." <
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