Welfare and Social Security Policy 316

Background 318

Poverty 319

Social Security 324

Social Security’s Changing Demographics 328

Problems with Social Security 329

Financing Social Security 330

Welfare 333

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 334

Aid to Families with Dependent Children 335

The Earned Income Tax Credit 336

Welfare Reform Options 337

Welfare Reform Law 337

Analysis of the Welfare Reform Law 339

Focused Discussion: Can We Do Better? Addressing Poverty 343

Economic and Effectiveness Issues 344

Political Issues 346

Ethics and Equity Issues 347

Conclusions 348

Discussion Questions 349

Keywords 350

Major Legislation 350

Suggested Readings 350

Suggested Websites 351

Notes 351

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