904 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

"We hope, " Governor Agnew said, "to encourage more youngsters
whose parents receive welfare to take summer jobs. Right now they
may be reluctant to do so, fearing it will penalize their families' al-
lotments. "

"In addition, " the Governor continued, "we believe this will culti-
vate an enthusiasm in employment and enable many young people
not only to develop good work habits but to assist their families.
Many of these youngsters come from large families and the money
they earn can help defray next year's school expenses for several
children. "

The Governor also announced plans to undertake a study of the
State's total employment picture.

"Right now there seem to be a substantial number of unskilled
jobs available and a substantial number of unemployed. We're going
to try to get to the heart of this problem, " the Governor said.

The study will be conducted through the cooperative efforts of the
Governor's Office, the Department of Employment Security and the
Department of Welfare.

"Where unreasonable standards exist for unskilled employment,
we hope to work with the employers to revise qualifications to a more
realistic level. At the same time, " the Governor said, "we want to
assure the public that jobs are not going begging while able-bodied
persons are drawing welfare. "

Governor Agnew stressed the fact that the majority of welfare pay-
ments go toward assisting families with dependent children, to the
elderly and the disabled. "But, " the Governor concluded, "in this
time of pressing fiscal problems, we owe it to the taxpayers to be 100
percent sure that there are no persons on the welfare rolls who could
be working. "

NEWS CONFERENCE
July 10, 1968

OPENING STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNOR

I have several announcements this morning that I think will be of
particular interest to you.

The proposed Maryland Constitution which was defeated in the
special election of May 14th included important provisions to facili-