States vary widely on welfare reform

A new report from the Urban Institute highlights great disparities in welfare policies among American states. But in the South, maximum benefit levels were below the rest of the nation in most states, according to the Southern Growth Policies Board. In fact, the report showed only Florida had a monthly benefit above $300 for a family of three with no income.

Other recent findings by the Urban Institute on welfare reform included:

Any statement about welfare is no longer universally true across the country.

A work-support system supplements welfare benefits in lifting families out of poverty.

Results still mixed on welfare reform policies and poverty.

Child care subsidy system faces challenges in the welfare-to-work push.

Welfare policies help determine outcomes for children.