The Personal Responsibility Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996: Long-Term Implications for Poor Americans

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of the Personal Responsibility Work Opportunity and Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 on the social and economic predicament of poor Americans. This paper evaluates the correlation which may exist between the PRWORA of 1996 and changes observed among key social and economic indicators specific to low-income Americans. The main objective of this is review is to determine if the PRWORA effectively improved the social and economic condition of poor Americans using income, employment and poverty rates as the primary evaluation criteria. This paper also examines the possible adverse impact of changes in the way programs for low-income families with dependent children are funded. Particularly the impact of a decreased emphasis on education attainment and job training.