The purpose of the LSIS program is to increase public confidence in assistance programs, reduce fraud that stigmatizes those who participate in such programs, deter fraud, and prevent duplicate participation. Finger imaging policy currently applies to applicants and recipients of food stamps and TANF. LSIS prevents duplicate participation by comparing the electronic finger images that are on file in the LSIS database and detecting any finger imaging matches. Potential applicants for assistance are informed about finger imaging requirements prior to application.

"When I first heard about the layoffs, I figured I might not be affected," said Diana Forslund, one of the 65 Agrium employees who lost their jobs in June. "But I prepared myself just in case."

What she decided to do was return to school using a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor's Workforce Investment Act to study to be a radiological technologist. Forslund said she learned about the grant when she met with state labor counselors at the Kenai Job Center.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10

(Juneau) - Governor Frank H. Murkowski has directed that the attached briefing paper be distributed to foster a better understanding of the administration's human resources enterprise integration project. This project will consolidate and integrate human resources managers and personnel functions under a single agency, the Division of Personnel within the Department of Administration.

"We appreciate the cooperation and hard work of our human resource managers in implementing this new system," said Murkowski." I would also like to recognize the professional conduct of all of those involved with these changes. Alaska is well served with public employees such as these."

A Ketchikan-based organization that helps struggling commercial fishermen obtain training for work in the maritime industry may be in dire straits due to decreased federal funding.

SEALink Inc. received $500,000 in federal Workforce Investment Act funds this year for its low-income adult dislocated worker program, compared with $1.78 million last year, said Ralph Mirsky, the group's executive director.