Since I announced the creation of a healthy marriage initiative in Alaska, there has been considerable interest and discussion throughout the state. In an essay entitled, "Sharing our learning with the community," Jeanne Curran of California State University and professor Susan Takata of the University of Wisconsin maintain, "Responsible democracy, representational or otherwise, requires a citizenry able to hear validity claims in good faith and come to collective action." Alaska's Healthy Marriage Initiative is a "coming to action" of sorts as we work to promote and protect the health and well-being of Alaskans. It has been my experience that good social welfare policy is developed when we engage in public discourse, especially to the extent we endeavor to hear the valid claims of those with opposing views.

I want to congratulate you all on the successful effort you continue make toward achieving our Better than Average food stamp accuracy campaign goal. Last October we set a very ambitious goal of 93% payment accuracy for the fiscal year ending this September. At that time Alaska had the highest food stamp error rate in the nation. We are now definitely on track, and seriously contending for a performance bonus award as a state with the most improved accuracy.

Our Department has launched several initiatives over the past two years to increase the efficiency of our work and improve our delivery of services to Alaskans. On May 10th, the Commissioner continued this effort by approving a new regional framework for our Department. DPA will take part in the gradual transition from the multiple regional structures in DHSS to a set of common regions. We will do this by designing our own implementation plan and specifying our own timeframe that fully address our specific issues.

The virtual baked beans were falling fast. The unopened can had to go somewhere, but where? Not the simulated freezer.

"This food wouldn't spoil in that location," the computer-generated voice said. "But the quality of food could be affected, or you might be using space in your freezer unnecessarily."

Another lesson learned from the Fantastic Food Challenge, a package of four computer games designed to teach people who get nutrition aid such as federal food stamps how to make better use of their food.

The PFD season is fast approaching. Here's an update on how we will process cases this year.

PFD income and resources continue to be exempt for all programs except Food Stamps. Like last year, we will be anticipating receipt of PFD income for food stamp households. Determining eligibility for resource hold harmless will also be the same - households will be asked to estimate how much PFD money they expect to have left on November 1st.