Reason: The Amazing Colossal Poorhouse: Ten years after welfare reform, the welfare state is even larger than before

Ten years after welfare reform, the welfare state is even larger than before

The Amazing Colossal Poorhouse
by Jesse Walker

Ten years ago today, President Bill Clinton signed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act, known more colloquially as welfare reform. The president had promised to end "welfare as we know it," and by signing the bill he did exactly that: In 2006 the welfare state is larger than ever before, but the way Americans think and talk about it has been radically changed. As a function of the government, welfare is thriving. As a culture war issue, it's practically dead...MORE