Public assistance rolls increase
About 1 person in 6 relies on some form of aid
politics, government, nanny state, socialism, liberalism, left wing, health care, welfare
February 25, 2007
The welfare state is bigger than ever despite a decade of policies designed to wean poor people from public aid.
The number of families receiving cash benefits from welfare has plummeted since the government imposed time limits on the payments a decade ago. But other programs for the poor, including Medicaid, food stamps and disability benefits, are bursting with new enrollees.