Here's a link that seems appropriate for this of all threads. Too bad we haven't seen more progress yet. But here's some excerpts:

Under the status quo, as people start to make more money, they lose benefits. On its face, that makes sense. But since people are rarely on one program, that loss can be sudden and substantial. That’s why this is often referred to as the “poverty trap.” So, you may get a raise and actually lose money. You may get married and end up worse off financially. In other words, you are punished for working hard and doing the right thing.

New authority for states to link poverty programs so that, instead of a one-size-fits-all strategy, you benefit from a more holistic approach. This means that if you would be penalized under current programs for getting married or working more hours or getting a promotion, states could repackage your benefits to help you find a path forward.


And oh by the way, as for your comment about Clinton being no saint:

A good job is the surest way out of poverty. This has been proven time and again. For example, after the government instituted work requirements in 1996, employment rates for single mothers with children increased, while child poverty declined dramatically. But that was just one program. Most welfare programs do not actually require or even encourage work, making it that much
harder for you to start on the path to a better life.