Finally, we changed the focus of our welfare program from cash assistance to job readiness and job placement. All these efforts were put in place with the sole purpose of enhancing job opportunities for Marylanders. Clearly our efforts are showing results. The number of jobs in Maryland today is at an all-time high. In the past year, Maryland has leap frogged over a dozen states in terms of job creation.
Unemployment is at an eight-year low, and down in every jurisdiction.
That means that 69,000 fewer Marylanders are on welfare today than when I took office. They mean that during May 1997 nine out of every 10 Marylanders who entered the workforce found jobs. The strong foundation we have laid has strengthened our economy and resulted in this surplus. We now find ourselves in a unique position to craft policies that will make real and meaningful differences in the lives of our children - their education, their health care and their future prosperity as we enter the next millennium. I look forward to continuing my work with the Legislature to do what's right for Maryland's children.