African-Americans, on the other hand, are more likely to believe that the federal government should provide this financial relief. There is little disagreement, and little variance between the races, with regard to feelings about the manner in which federal spending is handled. The overwhelming majority of survey respondents believe there should be enough money in the existing federal budget to take care of the poor if only it was spent more wisely. Roughly half of the persons taking part in this study said their states have adopted welfare reform changes in the past two years. The majority of survey respondents of both races believe that their governor is the most influential party in making decisions about welfare reform policies.
State legislators are the next most mentioned decision makers.
Local officials are perceived to have little impact on decisions regarding welfare reform policies. Feelings are mixed among whites with regard to whether penalties and time limits imposed on families by welfare reform result in harm to children. Caucasians believe that children are harmed by these penalties and time limits as believe they are not harmed. The persons who took part in this study are supportive of a variety of types of interim assistance for persons who are making the transition out of welfare. Help paying for child care.