This book analyzes the responses of five states (Florida, Mississippi, New York, Washington, and Wisconsin) to challenges posed by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to alter state welfare programs and management systems. Using case studies, the book highlights similarities and differences in the states' implementation of welfare reform, within the context of their distinctive historical, political, cultural, economic, and demographic experiences. The following articles are included: "Public Opinion, Political Leadership, and Welfare Reform" (Sarah F. Liebschutz); "Florida Welfare Reform: Cash Assistance as the Least Desirable Resource for Poor Families" (Robert E. Crew, Jr., and Belinda Creel Davis); "To Privatization and Back: Welfare Reform Implementation in Mississippi" (David A. Breaux, Christopher M. Duncan, C. Denise Keller, John C. Morris); "Welfare Reform in New York: A Mixed Laboratory for Change" (Sarah F. Liebschutz); "Washington's WorkFirst Program: Key Policy Challenges" (Janet Looney and Betty Jane Narver); and "Wisconsin Works" (Thomas Kaplan). (KC)