The diminishing role of welfare.

• Author: Grenn, Ben
• Position: Includes related article on Alaskan welfare recipients - Welfare reform

Welfare reform holds great hope for many low-income families in Alaska. Much has been accomplished, but much remains to be done.

To many people, the word "welfare" brings with it negative connotations. But with the help of the Alaska State Department of Health and Social Services in the Division of Public Assistance, welfare's stigma is slowly beginning to fade as the most sweeping changes to a social program in Alaska's history take root.

A study done last August showed welfare caseloads in Alaska had declined 15 percent from the year prior and the state saw savings of more than $24 million in reduced welfare payments during the first fiscal year of welfare reform in the state. While early results were encouraging, overall success of the state's reform program, now in its second year, has yet to be shown.

"Alaskans are moving off the welfare rolls and on to payrolls," said Gov. Tony Knowles. "(Recipients) are taking responsibility for themselves and their families. Welfare reform is working."

A status report by the Department of Health and Social Services showed that just more than a year ago about 2,500 Alaskan families had left the welfare program; Alaska's welfare caseload had dropped below 11,000 for the first time since 1992. As of July 1998, the temporary assistance caseload was 9,960; of those who are still in the program, more than half are in jobs, work activities and/or training programs. Alaska hit a historic peak of 13,164 recipients in April of 1994.

The Knowles' Administration worked with the Legislature to use the state's welfare savings wisely. More than $9 million of that $24 million in savings is being reinvested in child-care,job training and other welfare-to-work activities.

Knowles noted that child support collections are also on the rise, from about $50 million six years ago, to more than $80 million in 1997. "That's more money going directly into the hands of families who need it," Knowles said. "In many cases, child support is the difference between staying on welfare and getting off the program."

WORK FIRST

Alaska has adopted a "work first" philosophy that emphasizes quick entry into the work force for most recipients, backed by services that help recipients retain their jobs, and attain better positions.

For example, the Alaska Division of Public Assistance has teamed with GCI to offer a new service aimed at helping welfare-to-work clients find jobs.

GCI donated 100 free voice-mail boxes that will be allocated to...