The clock is ticking fast, especially for those recipients who lack skills, have little work history or face other barriers to employment. It is the state's goal to not let anyone hit the 60-month limit without another means of supporting their families. Of paramount concern is the well-being of the children in those families for whom the Alaska Temporary Assistance Program is intended to help. It will take the ongoing commitment of the state, communities, Native and other non-profit organizations, employers and political leaders to meet this challenge. The mustering of resources through the reinvestment of saved benefit dollars and from other sources is essential to help recipients gain work skills and prevent their families from facing extreme hardship.
Welfare reform holds great hope for many low-income families in Alaska.
Much has been accomplished, but there remains much to be done.