1 Pellicle (biology) , a thin layer supporting the cell membrane in various protozoa. 2  Pellicle mirror, a thin plastic membrane which may be used as a beam splitter or protective cover in optical systems. Pellicle, the protective cover which can be applied to a photomask used in semiconductor device fabrication.
By this measure, according to the report, 23.1 percent of Americans were recipients of welfare in 2011. Since 1993, the earliest year covered by the report, that is the highest percentage of Americans reported to be receiving welfare. A startling 38 percent of all children 5 and under in the United States were welfare recipients in 2011, according to the report.
A recent General Accounting Office report on the progress of the welfare reform law passed two years ago found a sharp decline nationwide in the welfare rolls. The number of people on welfare has fallen 37 percent to 8.9 million in March 1998 from 14.1 million in January '93. The report also found significant increases in the numbers of welfare recipients who obtained jobs. Getting off welfare is one thing. Getting out of poverty requires training and education.