Class Assignment - 4/25

This is an assignment that we are going to be working on during class on Monday, 4/25.  You don't have to start this early if you see it beforehand but feel free to look around.

First, use the Internet to research the following primary sources and trends in social welfare spending:

- The Social Security Act of 1935
- Aid to Families with Dependent Children (1959) & Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (1996)
- Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996

Then, take a look at a summary of a book by Peter Diamond and Peter Orszag (Obama's former Budget head) called Saving Social Security: A Balanced Approach.  Trend lightly and quickly, despite being a summary, it's a long article.

Lastly, take a look at website dedicated to Congressman Paul Ryan's plan for budget reform.  Explore.  Now, google (funny how that's a verb now) responses to the Ryan Plan.  How does the opposition view the plan? 

Answer the following questions:
1.  How was welfare changed in scope from the passage of the SS Act of 1935 to the present?  Why has it changed?
2.  Why do you think Social Security and then other social welfare programs are treated differently in the eyes of many Americans? 
3.  Congress was successful in changing how social welfare programs are administered to many poor Americans - the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act - but it hasn't found the same success in reforming Social Security?  Why?
4.  What sorts of provisions do Diamond and Orszag advocate for saving Social Security?  Do you think these will find traction?  Why or why not?
5.  How does Paul Ryan hope to change Social Security and other aspects of federal spending to achieve cost savings and a balanced budget?  Do you think many Americans will be supportive of this plan?  Why or why not?