Local leaders are optimistic about the improving economy, the lower crime rate, and new opportunities for growth. It came up again when I toured revitalized areas in Salisbury and Pocomoke City with Paul Martin and Curt Lippolt. And the answer is, we are getting there. We are definitely making progress. Maryland's economy is surging.
Jobs are at an all time high.
We now have the fourth highest family income in the nation. Unemployment is at an eight-year low and down in virtually every jurisdiction in the State. The Maryland State Police just reported that the overall crime rate in Maryland was down six percent in the first quarter of 1997, and that comes after a five percent reduction in the crime rate for all of 1996. Corporate profits are up and welfare rolls are down 69,000 people, or 30 percent. This is a unique time in our State's history.