Wisconsin welfare reform's limitations

While the Wisconsin welfare reform that Tommy Thompson led has triumphantly reduced the welfare rolls, questions still remain about its long-term ability to promote stronger families and better lives for children.

When I visited the Kenosha County Job Center half a dozen years ago—it's located in the southeast corner of Wisconsin, with Lake Michigan to the east and the Illinois state line to the south—I was impressed with its 54,000 square feet of calibrated administration in color-coordinated offices. Next to the Job Center was Aladdin's Castle Family Entertainment, and the facility itself had a Disneyland feel. On the way from the parking lot to the reception area, a sign on one wall promoted a self-esteem workshop: "You are scheduled to begin an exciting adventure next week."