an excellent poverty scholar. Our discussions and his critiques of my
work have helped me to better understand both topics and have saved
me from some serious mistakes. I am grateful for his help and pa-
tience. Gordon also introduced me to one of his colleagues, Elizabeth
Lower-Basch, who turned out to be simply invaluable. Elizabeth eval-
uates state implementation of the new welfare reform act. Her hands-
on experience has given her insights that can be found in no published
source. Elizabeth critiqued the chapters on the passage of the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, its
early implementation at the state level, and my evaluation of this bill.
She gave me dozens of extremely valuable insights and saved me from
a number of mistakes. I very much appreciate all of her hard work
and help. Those chapters are considerably better as a result of her
talent and generosity.

As usual, the crew at M.E. Sharpe was wonderful. Patricia Kolb,
executive editor, is always encouraging and supportive. Her assistant,
Elizabeth T. Granda, knows how to keep all the trains running. Susan
Rescigno, production editor, handled the editing, artwork, and printing
with the skill of a consummate pro. To each my continuing thanks
and admiration.

It is traditional that authors absolve those who have assisted them
of the mistakes and sins of their work. In the case of this book, that
disclaimer must be real. The government officials who have helped
me sometimes disagree with my interpretation of events and facts.
They gave me a great deal of information and help; they are in no
way responsible for how I have used those facts and insights.

To my four-year-old son, Michael, I give thanks for his daily re-
minders that life is full of wonder, mystery, joy, and hope. Thanks
pal.

Harrell Rodgers Houston, 2000

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