In this paper, we model gender differences in cognitive ability in China using a new sample of middle-aged and older Chinese respondents. Modeled after the American Health and Retirement Study (HRS), the CHARLS Pilot survey respondents are 45 years and older in two quite distinct provinces--Zhejiang, a high-growth industrialized province on the…

This paper investigates the effects of California's billion-dollar class-size-reduction program on student achievement. It uses year-to-year differences in class size generated by variation in enrollment and the state's class-size-reduction program to identify both the direct effects of smaller classes and related changes in teacher quality.…

Concludes that Medicaid has increased inequities in public assistance levels between states. (BH)

A summary of findings is presented of the Graduated Work Incentive Experiment (New Jersey-Pennsylvania "negative income tax" experiment). The experiment studied the effects of payment of substantial amounts of unearned income to poor families on the labor-supply response of such families. (EA)

The work disincentive effects of a negative income tax and wage subsidy, and a mixed wage subsidy-public assistance program are compared. (BH)

Analyses of data from the March 1975 Current Population Survey reveal that Supplemental Security Income participation probabilities are positively related to the level of available benefits. Other factors such as limited information, stigma, and the bureaucratic complexities of the enrollment process appear to be significant barriers to…

The labor-supply or work-effort response of male heads of families eligible for or receiving subsidies such as negative income tax (Graduated Work Incentive Experiment-New Jersey, Pennsylvania) revealed no sharp disincentive for male family heads. Any disincentive reflected was concentrated among the poorest stratum. (EA)

Examines changes in incidences of poverty among the aged using measures that include in-kind public and private transfers, tax liabilities, and a share of net worth. Alternative poverty threshold indicators are suggested for use with the improved economic-status measure. These changes make possible alternative estimates of progress against poverty…

"Earnings capacity" is suggested as an alternative to "annual money income" as an indicator of economic status. The socioeconomic and demographic determinants of poverty as measured by earnings capacity and by annual money income are compared and contrasted. (WL)

By studying recipients of aid under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) welfare scheme, the effect of time limits of welfare schemes on forward looking recipients is assessed using a discrete-choice dynamic programming framework model. The policy simulations for the preferred specification of utility reveal that two year time limits…

A study of the welfare programs in two counties bordering different states along with comparative welfare expenditure in interior counties tests the theory that Aid for Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) recipients migrate to counties which have a higher per capita welfare budget. Research shows that border counties with a $100 differential…

This paper examines whether AFDC/TANF asset tests affect the asset holdings of low-educated single mothers. Special emphasis is given to vehicle assets that make up a very significant share of total wealth for poor families. Consistent with other recent research, the author finds little evidence that asset limits have an effect on the amount of…

Results of an ongoing analysis of the household's choice of diet for its children under three years and how that diet relates to the child's growth. Focuses on the extent to which family income and mother's education are obstacles to the provision of adequate diets for children in poor American families. (CT)

Argues that to base the benefit schedule of an income-support program on an index that defines poverty in terms of money income alone is to create gross inequities across households that vary in their number of adult hours. Provides a two-dimensional poverty definition and shows how this standard can be used to define voluntary versus involuntary…

A large-scale study of the effects of the Job Training Partnership Act Title II-A program (n=21,000) showed modest positive earnings impacts for adults and cost-effective returns for society. However, net benefits for out-of-school youth and for society were negative. (SK)