Their hard work made it happen. Engler said the historic change is a result of the state welfare reform program, known as To Strengthen Michigan Families, which began in October 1992. Engler said success in the state's welfare reform program indicates all four tenets are being met. The federal standard for the year was 30 percent. Engler said FIP cases without income totaled 57,186 in November, down 3.1 percent from the October total.
Communities are our partners in welfare reform.
Local businesses hire more welfare recipients today than ever before, and partnerships like those developed under Project Zero help establish long-term remedies for people. Project Zero is a welfare reform initiative in 35 Family Independence Agency offices in Michigan. FIP recipients are able to leave assistance, in part, because of increased availability of child care services provided through FIA funding. Along with transportation, it is the most critical component in getting and keeping a job.