To order, contact Pioneer Institute When Congress passed sweeping welfare reform legislation in 1996, Massachusetts' own reform, Chapter 5 of the Acts of 1995, was already well underway. At both the national and state levels, politics was highly competitive and government was divided during these years. Massachusetts Chapter 5 can thus be understood as the attempt of an ambitious policy entrepreneur, Governor William Weld, to capture the flag of welfare reform for his own. Typical of the coverage Chapter 5 received was an article in the The Economist, which began, It is the end of Weldfare as we know it.
Liberal generosity is Massachusetts's other name.
Even William Weld, the Republican governor, is usually described as a social liberal, albeit a fiscal conservative. But in the span of a single week Mr. Weld has launched an assault on welfare that promises to shatter the state's old reputation. 2 In short, both opponents and supporters of Chapter 5 were convinced that the legislation marked a radical departure for state welfare policy. To read further research and discuss issues on welfare reform and social policy, participate in the Pioneer Network. These provisions are intended to transform welfare from a long-term means of support to a temporary helping hand.