The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) was signed into law in 1996 by the Clinton Administration. This monumental legislation was designed to decrease the roles of welfare while promoting self-sufficiency among those in need of assistance (Blank, 1105-1106). The role of welfare dropped in the United States during the first years of the legislation’s implementation resulting in policy makers quickly labeling the new legislation successful-this notion has been contested in recent years. This paper will draw upon the work of Rebecca Blank who explores the effectiveness of PRWORA and highlights the effects it had on different subgroups.
PRWORA replaced the matching fund arrangement under the federal Aid to …show more content…
The emphasis on “work-first” with restricted education and job training opportunities was especially devastating for single mothers who were now required to do 35 -55 hours of work (Johnson, 10/15). Many of these single female-headed families did not qualify for public assistance programs because of the ongoing work and stricter eligibility requirements.
Additionally, working poor families had a hard time accessing Food Stamps. Government offices were usually open during business open hours making it hard for working people to attend the in person meetings required for maintaining eligibility. Further, calculating the Food Stamps benefits for the working poor was a challenge because of their fluctuating income. This often incentivized the government workers to get those individuals off Food …show more content…
This unaccommodating program design made attending mandatory programs while maintaining consistent work hours difficult for the working poor, especially female-headed families and people of color. Policy recommendations could, therefore, include an increase in pay of welfare workers, extended hours of government facilities, flexibility in the workplace for working parents so that they can balance their work and home responsibilities. Increasing workers wages will also empower them and provide economic stability. The government should also go back to some type of matching fund program such as the one during the Great Recession when the Obama Administration responded by providing a stimulus package. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) was an anti-cyclical measure that helped to lift many people out of
PRWORA replaced the matching fund arrangement under the federal Aid to …show more content…
The emphasis on “work-first” with restricted education and job training opportunities was especially devastating for single mothers who were now required to do 35 -55 hours of work (Johnson, 10/15). Many of these single female-headed families did not qualify for public assistance programs because of the ongoing work and stricter eligibility requirements.
Additionally, working poor families had a hard time accessing Food Stamps. Government offices were usually open during business open hours making it hard for working people to attend the in person meetings required for maintaining eligibility. Further, calculating the Food Stamps benefits for the working poor was a challenge because of their fluctuating income. This often incentivized the government workers to get those individuals off Food …show more content…
This unaccommodating program design made attending mandatory programs while maintaining consistent work hours difficult for the working poor, especially female-headed families and people of color. Policy recommendations could, therefore, include an increase in pay of welfare workers, extended hours of government facilities, flexibility in the workplace for working parents so that they can balance their work and home responsibilities. Increasing workers wages will also empower them and provide economic stability. The government should also go back to some type of matching fund program such as the one during the Great Recession when the Obama Administration responded by providing a stimulus package. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) was an anti-cyclical measure that helped to lift many people out of