Topic War

Policy analyst Daniel Casse argues that the 1996 welfare reform program is effective in encouraging welfare recipients to find jobs and improve their economic status. Casse does a wonderful job of explaining how the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families works. Instead of simply meeting the income requirements and automatically qualifying for cash assistance, TANF requires potential welfare recipients to work and continue to work for cash assistance rather than use it as a way of life. Also, instead of the federal government distributing cash directly to those in need, they grant each state a sum of money and allow each state to devise their own welfare program. Finally, under TANF recipients are permitted to receive cash assistance for a maximum of two years without working and a five year lifetime limit. Casse also argues that many critics misunderstand the financing behind TANF. Many critics argue that it is wrong for the federal government to hand over the responsibility of ...