This document contains selected proceedings from a conference that was convened in the Mississippi Delta region to provide interested stakeholders (citizens and local public officials) with information about recent federal and state welfare reform legislation. The document begins with an explanation of how the old Aid to Families with Dependent Children and new Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programs differ from one another from the standpoints of benefits, requirements, exemptions, and sanctions. Special attention is paid to the effects of welfare reforms on local governments and the activities of Delta State University's Center for Community Development to promote welfare reform. Presented next are the texts of four presentations: "Setting the Stage: Regional Implications" (Mark Manning); "Opening Remarks" (Marianne Hill); "State Legislative Update" (Willie Simmons); and "Federal Legislative Update" (Deborah Weinstein). Concluding the document is the text of the panel discussion held during the conference's morning session moderated by Marianne Hill. Appended are the following: excerpts from presentations by Marianne Hill; citation of an article published by Marianne Hill; addresses of the four conference partners; list of conference planning committee members; and conference agenda. (MN)