Every year, the welfare system in America absorbs billions of dollars—money that could be used to eliminate poverty by creating jobs and subsidizing wages. The Prisoners of Welfare proposes a comprehensive alternative to America's fundamentally flawed welfare system with detailed, specific strategies. Riemer's proposals for revamping existing social support systems include an analysis of the roles of state and federal governments—proving a valuable resource for academics in public policy, labor studies, and social policy, and a blueprint for reform-minded government officials.