Welfare Reform: Remedy for Persistent Poverty in the Rural South?

During the 1990's the South was more successful in reducing welfare caseloads than other regions, most likely because of strong employment growth in its metropolitan centers. However, poverty persists in many rural areas of the South, and participation in welfare programs would likely increase should the economy cool. Without open-ended Federal matching funds to meet added demands for cash assistance, Southern States would be forced to cut work support programs or use general revenues to supplement the Federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families block grant.