This brief summarizes information collected during visits to Massachusetts in 1999 and 2000 to document changes and progress since 1997, updating a 1997 report on the state's benefits and services and the economic and political context shaping Massachusetts' agenda for serving low-income families. It profiles Massachusetts' economy and population, reviews the income and social services safety net and caseload statistics, and offers three main sections that examine specific programs and services, administrative structure, general service delivery, and policies affecting key programs and their clients. First, it describes Massachusetts' Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) program, including its work-related component for TAFDC recipients, and the overall workforce development system. Next, it addresses Massachusetts' system for providing child care to TANF and low-income families. Finally, it describes the child welfare system. Massachusetts shows the implications of a strong "work first" approach to welfare reform. It was one of the first states to implement a consolidated workforce development and one-stop career center system. Massachusetts prioritizes work-related services to TAFDC recipients who leave assistance for employment. The child care system has received over $200 million in TANF funds, though there are still waiting lists for nonwelfare child care. (Contains 13 endnotes.) (SM)