All of these recommendations could be implemented through changes in federal legislation, but it is also possible for
states to implement them within the context of current law. The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) completed
an excellent study (Greenberg, Strawn, and Plimpton 1999) showing how states can meet the mandates of federal
welfare law and still develop innovative programs to permit welfare recipients to pursue higher education. Although
federal law certainly makes it more difficult for states to support postsecondary education, states wishing to provide a
higher education alternative--through cash assistance, child care, transportation, other services, and even tuition and
other related education expenses--have several options.