Tommy Thompson

In the wake of welfare reform legislation passed in 1996, states are devising programs to move people from welfare to work. In the following viewpoint, Tommy Thompson, the Republican governor of Wisconsin, describes his state's welfare-to-work system, which he believes can serve as a model for other states. Wisconsin's programs have helped welfare recipients develop a work ethic and find employment, Thompson argues. He contends that people on welfare want to work, but they need resources such as child care and transportation in order to obtain jobs. Programs that provide these resources and require recipients to work for their welfare payments instill a work ethic and make participants more employable, Thompson claims.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Thompson, what is illogical about Aid to Families with Dependent Children?
2. How would Thompson change...