Problem 1
Suppose a single parent can work up to 16 hours per day at a wage rate of $10 per hour. Various income maintenance programs have been developed to assure a minimum level of income for low-income families, such as AFDC (see Problem 2). One of the problems with AFDC is that benefits were reduced by $1 for every dollar earned. An alternative income maintenance program is Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which also offers a no-work benefit but has a smaller reduction in wages for every dollar earned. A simplified version of this type of program is one that would give this single parent a $40 (no-work) grant accompanied by a benefit reduction of 75 cents for every dollar earned.
a. Draw the daily budget constraint without any program participation for the single parent described above.
b. On the same graph, draw the daily budget constraint under TANF for the single parent described above. At what level of income does the subsidy end? How many hours of work would this be? Discuss the effect of program participation on work incentives.
c. On the same graph, draw the daily budget constraint under AFDC for the single parent described above (Problem 2).
d. Compare the effect of the TANF program on work incentives compared to the AFDC program.
Problem 2
Suppose a single parent can work up to 16 hours per day at a wage rate of $10 per hour.
Various income maintenance programs have been developed to assure a minimum level of income for low-income families. Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) was established with the Social Security Act of 1935. The family was given an income subsidy depending on family size. Under this program, the family's benefit was reduced by $1 for every dollar earned. Suppose the maximum daily subsidy for the single parent described above is $40.
a. Draw the daily budget constraint without program participation for the single parent described above.
b. On the same graph, draw the daily budget constraint under AFDC for the single parent described above.
c. What effect does this program have on the incentive to work? Explain.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.