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February 2, 2009

Despite Economic Crisis, States Shrink Welfare Rolls
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New questions are being raised over how the welfare system is helping
people affected by the economic crisis. A report by the New York Times
has found that the number of people receiving cash assistance through
welfare programs is at or near the lowest in more than forty years
despite soaring unemployment. Eighteen states cut their welfare rolls
last year. Many of the states hardest hit by the economic crisis have
made drastic cuts. Michigan cut its rolls by 13 percent. Rhode Island
had the nation’s largest welfare decline of 17 percent.



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