Saints, Stalwarts, and Slackers

State Financial Contributions to Welfare Reform

Bibliographic Data

ID6330876
AuthorsHarrell R Rodgers (University of Houston, corresponding author)
Year2005
Volume33
Issue4
Pages497-508
Publication date2005-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePolicy Studies Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0190-292X • E-ISSN: 1541-0072
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1541-0072.2005.00130.x
OpenAlexW2028259610
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited9

Considerable literature finds that spending levels are important predictors of poverty rates, both in the American states and in western European nations. Those jurisdictions with the most generous support programs generally have lower poverty rates. This article examines state Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) spending levels in relation to national norms, the spending ability of the state as predicted by their total taxable revenue base, and the state's poverty rate. The analysis shows enormous variation in state per capita TANF spending, with many states spending far less than the national mean and their fiscal capacity. Most of the low‐spending states have the fiscal ability to fund more vigorous programs but at optimal levels; some would still fall below the national mean. In return for improved funding, these states would be candidates for increased federal assistance. A few states with a high poverty rate and usually with large numbers of poor citizens are generous spenders, indicating that funding is one component of effective programs

Demographic economics · Development economics · Economic growth · Economics · Per capita · Population · Poverty · Poverty rate · Revenue · Sociology · State (computer science · Taxable income · Welfare · Demography · Fiscal Policy and Economic Growth · Gender, Labor, and Family Dynamics · Social Policy and Reform Studies · Finance

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