Final answer:
The TANF welfare reform effort of the late 1990s significantly reduced the number of welfare recipients in the U.S. and the percentage of the population receiving cash assistance through the TANF program.
Step-by-step explanation:
The TANF (Temporary Aid to Needy Families) welfare reform effort of the late 1990s had a significant impact on the number of welfare recipients in the U.S. and the percentage of the U.S. population receiving cash assistance through the TANF program.
According to the Congressional Research Service, the number of families receiving payments under TANF declined from 4.8 million in 1995 to 1.0 million in November 2020, a decline of nearly 80%. This decline can be attributed to TANF's focus on work requirements and time limits for benefits.
By imposing work requirements and limiting the length of time individuals can receive benefits, TANF aimed to encourage self-sufficiency and reduce dependency on welfare. While TANF has been successful in reducing the number of welfare recipients, there are ongoing debates about the effectiveness and impact of welfare reform.