Welfare programs and the people who use them have a bad public image. Any attempts at welfare reform should include the dissemination of factual information to eliminate the misconceptions. This information should include the following facts: (1) only 60% of poverty stricken households receive welfare; (2) most government services and funds to households are for social security, Medicare and veterans' benefits; (3) welfare programs require applicants to demonstrate need through a means test; (4) most welfare benefits are services rather than cash; (5) the groups most likely to receive welfare are minorities and women with dependent children; (6) states with more generous welfare programs do not attract recipients from other states; (7) only a minority of recipients become long-term welfare families; (8) welfare programs do not contribute to the breakup of families; and (9) welfare does not pull many families above the poverty line. Current initiatives to reform the welfare system are focused on more uniform state eligibility rules, and incentives and training for jobs. (VM)