In a question-and-answer period following Thompson's speech, one audience member asked whether Wisconsin's system has been able to help individuals who many social programs fail to reach.
Thompson answered by stressing that with the welfare rolls already down caseworkers are better able to address the individual needs of clients.
Another audience member inquired about what role the federal government should play in welfare.
In response, Thompson called for a federal crackdown on fathers who fail to pay child support and attempt to escape their responsibilities by crossing state lines.
Brian C. Grech '03, who attended the speech, said he was impressed with most of Thompson's remarks, but questioned applying W-2 to other states.
"It might not work in a state like California because the poverty problem is more complex there and poverty is seen in greater numbers," Grech said.