As a result, recipients are likely to choose welfare over work, increasing long-term dependence. The paper was released at the height of the welfare debate in Congress. The following are among the study's findings.
Welfare benefits are especially generous in large cities.
In 9 states welfare pays more than the average first-year salary for a teacher. In 29 states it pays more than the average starting salary for a secretary. In 47 states welfare pays more than a janitor earns. Indeed, in the 6 most generous states, benefits exceed the entry-level salary for a computer programmer. The authors conclude that if Congress or state governments are serious about reducing welfare dependence and rewarding work, the most promising reform is to cut benefit levels substantially.