Welfare in the United States: its current State and future directions

Public policy experts have proposed numerous combinations of liberal and conservative welfare policies in an attempt to capture the positive aspects of each and create a more efficient and equitable approach to welfare. In these times of economic turbulence it is paramount to understand where welfare stands in the United States and continue the discussion of how to create a better system. This paper will conduct a thorough analysis of Temporary Aid to Needy Families; its policy goals, structure, and accomplishments over the fifteen years since its adoption. As much of the policy battle over the structure and goals of welfare has revolved around ideological differences it is important to understand the welfare program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which provides a unique opportunity for policy study since it stands out as a rare example of an organization that implements a fusion of both liberal and conservative attitudes toward welfare. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses our current system and exploring the structure and function of the LDS Welfare program we can advance the discussion surrounding welfare in the United States and provide substantive recommendations for policy change to create a more efficient and equitable system.