Synopses & Reviews
Every year, the welfare system in America absorbs billions of dollars--money that could be used to eliminate poverty by creating jobs and subsidizing wages. The Prisoners of Welfare proposes a comprehensive alternative to America's fundamentally flawed welfare system with detailed, specific strategies. Riemer's proposals for revamping existing social support systems include an analysis of the roles of state and federal governments--proving a valuable resource for academics in public policy, labor studies, and social policy, and a blueprint for reform-minded government officials.
Every year, the welfare system in America absorbs billions of dollars--money that could be used to eliminate poverty by creating jobs and subsidizing wages. The Prisoners of Welfare proposes a comprehensive alternative to America's fundamentally flawed welfare system with detailed, specific strategies. Riemer's proposals for revamping existing social support systems include an analysis of the roles of state and federal governments--proving a valuable resource for academics in public policy, labor studies, and social policy, and a blueprint for reform-minded government officials.
Review
The Prisoners of Welfare, by David Raphael Riemer, is an innovative and insightful examination of America's welfare system that is sure to provoke discussion in the college clasroom and debate in the academic literature . . . this is a solid piece of work that students, academics, and the general public alike will find interesting and stimulatingPerspective
Synopsis
Every year, the welfare system in America absorbs billions of dollars--money that could be used to eliminate poverty by creatingjobs and subsidizing wages. The Prisoners of Welfare proposes a comprehensive alternative to America's fundamentally flawed welfare system with detailed, specific strategies. Riemer's proposals for revamping existing social support systems include an analysis of the roles of state and federal governments--proving a valuable resource for academics in public policy, labor studies, and social policy, and a blueprint for reform-minded government officials.
About the Author
DAVID RAPHAEL RIEMER is Director of the Department of Budget and Management Analysis for the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Table of Contents
Overview: Reshaping the Debate
Why the Poor Are Poor
Who Are the Poor?
Poverty and Work
The Job Shortage
Low-Wage Jobs
The Long Queue
Why Welfare Reform Will Fail
Faulty Premises
The Omitted Poor
The Prisoners of Welfare
Ending Poverty
The Right Not to be Poor
The Mechanics of Justice
Day Care and Health Insurance
The Cost of Justice
Conclusion: Five Choices
Bibliography
Index