Government Matters: Welfare Reform in Wisconsin

by Lawrence M. Mead

"Good government" is commonly seen either as a formidable challenge, a distant dream, or an oxymoron, and yet it is the reason why Wisconsin led America toward welfare reform. In this book, Lawrence Mead shows in depth what the Badger State did and--just as important--how it was done. Wisconsin's welfare reform was the most radical in the country, and it began far earlier than that in most other states. It was the achievement of legislators and administrators who were unusually high-minded and effective by national standards. Their decade-long struggle to overhaul welfare is a gripping story that inspires hope for better solutions to poverty nationwide.


Mead shows that Wisconsin succeeded--not just because it did the right things, but because its government was unusually masterful. Politicians collaborated across partisan lines, and administrators showed initiative and creativity in revamping welfare. Although Wisconsin erred at some points, it achieved promising policies, which then had good outcomes in terms of higher employment and reduced dependency. Mead also shows that these lessons hold nationally. It is states with strong good-government traditions, such as Wisconsin, that typically have implemented welfare reform best. Thus, solutions to poverty must finally look past policies and programs to the capacities of government itself. Although governmental quality is uneven across the states, it is also improving, and that bodes well for better antipoverty policies in the future.

Genres: Art

368 pages, Hardcover

First published October 6, 1997

Reviews

[Rhythima · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very light breakfast-table or dinner read. It is good in terms of overview of the different art forms which took forms in India as an influence of different invasions. But do not look for any form of details in this book e.g there were many other local artforms in India (like Warli painting) which is completely missing. The book seems to be a good overview explanation of history of invasions. The most important effects are missing or discussed very briefly e.g. the effects of prints. Also, when you say "Art", I look for more than paintings, scriptures and sketches, e.g. Musical forms, etc. There were some mentions of these relations, but it would be just a serendipity. Some explanations are interesting though: the effect of prosperity on the art (gold linings in the prints), the effect of decorations and realistic paintings for the same ideas of Buddhism. A detailed review can be found here on the style of this book writing: https://blogwatchwoman.wordpress.com/...