Millions of able Europeans spend years on the dole, a welfare program meant to act as a temporary safety net in times of unusual duress. Many welfare recipients are trapped in a cycle of dependency that robs them of a sense of self-worth and costs their countries tens of millions of euros in additional costs every year. Jason Turner arrived from the U.S. with a series of practical policies for moving many Europeans from welfare to work. Mr. Turner's record in two U.S. states--Wisconsin and New York--demonstrated that the welfare state can be reformed without misery or deprivation. Indeed, Mr. Turner's policies have helped more than a half million Americans--many long-term welfare recipients--find jobs, dignity and hope.

Besuch von Mr. Turner in Berlin
Date: 4 Februar 2002
Format: 12.00 – 14:00 Uhr
Luncheon-Discussion zum Thema „Amerikanische Sozialhilfereform – Modell für eine Reform des Sozialstaates in Deutschland? “ in der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung,
Tiergartenstraße 35
Location: Grand Hotel Esplanade Lützowufer 15
10 785 Berlin

Besuch von Mr. Turner in Wiesbaden, Hessen
Date: 8. Februar 2002
Format: 14.30 Uhr Termin bei Ministerpräsident Roland Koch. Location: Hessische Staatskanzlei
Bierstadter Straße 2
65 189 Wiesbaden

Jason Turner is a revolutionary--a large, quiet man who led efforts to reinvent welfare in the U.S. and helped more than 500,000 move from dependence to employment. Until January 1, 2002, Mr. Turner was director of New York City's welfare program, where he launched the largest work program in the U.S.. He also created a system of twenty-eight Job Centers, which are focused on helping participants obtain employment and supportive services, such as child care and medical care. In 2000, Mr. Turner oversaw the placement in New York City of 100,000 individuals in jobs, up from 67,000 the prior year.

Before directing the New York City welfare program, Jason Turner was one of the architects of the Wisconsin welfare-to-work program under the Governor of Wisconsin, Tommy Thompson. Mr. Turner crafted the legendary "Wisconsin Works" program in 1997. Wisconsin Works reduced welfare dependency by 85% from its 1995 peak, while average wages grew by more than 2300 euros in the first year after its implementation.