More than 200,000 families have made the journey from dependence to independence since 1992, which has helped make families stronger but more importantly, provided opportunities for children to break the cycle of dependency. During January, the Family Independence Program caseload totaled 93,175, down 3 percent from 96,461 in December. It is the lowest caseload since October 1970, when it was 89,563. Day care is one of a number of services expanded during the welfare reform era, which support public assistance recipients' ability to work.
Families receiving the benefits get a check instead of food stamp coupons.
FIA's welfare reform efforts will continue under new leadership, the Governor said. On February 11, Engler appointed Douglas Howard as the Agency's new director, effective March 3. His experience developing welfare reform legislation in Iowa and at the federal level will further enhance Michigan's efforts.