Podcasts Government The Uncertain Hour The road not taken

The road not taken

Published: July 7, 2016, 6:19 p.m.

What’s the best path out of poverty — work or education?

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Twenty years ago, welfare reformers came to this fork in the road and had to ask the question: Is it better to encourage welfare recipients to get a job, any job? Or is it better to support them while they get training and education that will eventually help them get better-paying jobs?

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In the end, welfare reformers adopted a “work-first” strategy that required most folks to work in order to receive cash welfare.

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In this episode, the what if….

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We meet two women. One dropped out of college so she could work and continue to receive cash welfare. The other was part of a program that allowed to finish her degree.

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Welcome back to “The Uncertain Hour,” the Wealth & Poverty desk’s new podcast hosted by Senior Correspondent Krissy Clark.