It's very early in the process of welfare reform, but it appears something's working. A year ago, there were about 13,000 families on welfare. Today, there are about 11,500. We must realize that child care and job training are an essential part of continuing to allow people to meet the challenge of changing from welfare to work. And it's up to the private sector to help put those former welfare recipients to work.
Partnerships are the key - to economic development, to educational reform and to the welfare reform.
Before I give up the microphone, I'd like to recognize just some of the great work and successful partnerships represented by some of the Alaska Regional Development Organizations here today. The Kenai Peninsula Borough Economic Development District and Copper Valley Economic Development Council are both with youth entrepreneurship programs to engage young people in business opportunities and how they are created and developed. The Lower Yukon Economic Development Corporation has been active in value-added seafood for years and is one of 20 finalists in this year's QVC broadcast. Arctic Development Council in Barrow is actively pursuing several international trade projects. Please join with me in applauding these people for a job done locally, and a job well done.