Public Assistance Worker Appreciation Week

Alaskans in need depend upon the state to provide them assistance in the form of cash, food, medical, heat, and employment services to transition those who are able to achieve self-sufficiency. The state, in turn, depends upon its employees in the Divisions of Public Assistance, Health Care Services, and Senior and Disabilities Services, as well as their partnering agencies to get the job done. While many of these individuals-case managers, supportive service workers, supervisors, administrative support personnel, employment specialists, and others-do not identify themselves as public assistance workers, they are, nevertheless, an important part of the team.

All of these dedicated employees deserve special recognition and appreciation for the excellent public service they provide. They perform admirably under the reality of shrinking resources-some to meet the expectations of the state to increase self-sufficiency and decrease dependency, others to provide assistance, medical, and other services for those who are unable to work.

While the success of their efforts may be measured by decreased dependency on public assistance benefits, the broader goal is to encourage, coach, support, and develop the people who come to their offices for help.

As the seventh anniversary of welfare reform in Alaska is observed, these employees continue to implement the principles and goals of this legislation and meet the challenges inherent in such purposeful goals.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Frank H. Murkowski, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim July 11-17, 2004, as:

Public Assistance Worker Appreciation Week

in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to recognize these hard working professionals for their outstanding service to those Alaskans needing a helping hand.

Dated: June 4, 2004