Jennifer Sykes, Michigan State University (IMAGE) Michigan State University Caption The US welfare state has evolved from a needs-based system to one that rewards working families, finds a study led by Michigan State University's Jennifer Sykes. Credit Michigan State University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.