"These record-setting results show that Illinois’ welfare-to-work efforts have been a resounding success," the Governor said. "Tens of thousands more Illinois families now are able to appreciate the pride and independence that comes from earning a regular paycheck, and that’s good news for all Illinoisans."

Despite initial concerns that welfare reform would fail in large urban areas such as Chicago, Cook County statistics show that the number of TANF clients now working their way off welfare soared from 19 percent in July 1997 to 34 percent in November 1998.

"Families are much better off when the head of the household is working," said Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Howard A. Peters III. "We’re giving our clients the supports they need and the results are gratifying. We remain committed to helping people move from dependency to self-sufficiency."

Other important statistics include the following:

• The number of welfare case cancellations due to employment skyrocketed 41.4 percent to 3,880 in November 1998, compared with 2,743 in November 1997. In Cook County cancellations due to employment surged 77.5 percent, from 1,177 in 1997 to 2,090 cancellations in 1998.

• Illinois’ total welfare caseload declined by 22 percent, from 140,012 in November 1997 to 109,394 in November 1998. Cook County cases decreased 18 percent, from 94,685 to 77,703 during that same period.

• November statistics show the lowest-ever number of clients who lost their jobs –from 3,259 in 1997 to 2,531 in 1998. Only 6 percent of welfare clients working a year ago have lost their jobs.

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