6-20-13 welfare to work

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin officials hope a new incentive plan will trim participation in the state's welfare-to-work program.  Nearly 15,000 people were in the program last month. But new incentives could decrease those numbers.  One provides an initial payment for people who stay on a job for 31 days and a second payment for staying employed for four months. There are also cash incentives for earning a promotion and higher pay, which would eventually help people leave the program.  The welfare-to-work program is called Wisconsin Works, or W-2. It provides financial assistance to low-income people who are trying to find work.  State officials say the incentives could help prevent situations where people take jobs, receive a payment and then quit a few days later.