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Education is what gives you a good job, but if you can't get the education, how do you get the job?

Mark Dickerson of Tulare County, Calif., which has the state's largest portion of aid recipients, worrying about his children's futures. Dickerson, working for minimum wage, and his wife, who was laid off, struggle to pay their bills even with welfare.

Mark Dickerson of Tulare County, Calif., which has the state's largest portion of aid recipients, worrying about his children's futures. Dickerson, working for minimum wage, and his wife, who was laid off, struggle to pay their bills even with welfare.

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.