From: Ellie Fitzjarrald, Director and Jim Dalman, Chief, Program Integrity and Analysis
There is a great convergence of good news to share this month. Hopefully, you’re not tired of hearing how well you are doing with our Give Me Five Food Stamp Program payment accuracy campaign. We are still solidly positioned for an FFY 2007 payment accuracy bonus. These are awarded to the seven states with the lowest payment error rates and the three states with the most improved accuracy. We are currently in the running on two fronts, standing at #2 for most improved accuracy and #10 in the nation for overall accuracy. It is within the realm of possibility that we could make it into the best payment error rate category since we are only half a percentage point behind. There are a few months left to count, but so far . . .very, very good!
With our QA sampling for the year two-thirds complete, all regions continue to maintain accuracy rates well above or target goal of 95%. This broad statewide accuracy trend gives us confidence in the fundamental quality of our eligibility and payment decisions.
The Southeast region is near perfect with 99.6% accuracy. The Northern Region keeps climbing higher with 98% accuracy. The Central and Coastal Regions both now have commendable 96.2% accuracy.
This is noble work we do. Last week marked the 30th anniversary of the passage of the Food Stamp Act of 1977. This Act created the modern Food Stamp Program, helping ensure that the Nation’s most vulnerable citizens have access to nutritional foods. More than 26 million low-income individuals are served by the Food Stamp Program each month. Over half the program participants are children. Your work to provide nutrition assistance to these families in such a respectful, timely and accurate manner is a reason to celebrate. Beyond our mission of helping our fellow Alaskans in need, few recognize the economic benefits of this program in our communities. Studies have shown that each $5 in food stamp benefits generates $9.20 in economic activity. Collectively, you will issue nearly $90 million in food stamp benefits this year. Despite the administrative complexity, it is a wonderfully helpful program. By all accounts, you deliver those services so very well.
And while we are heaping in on the praise - Assistant Commissioner, Janet Clarke, recently sent a kind message to DPA leadership expressing her appreciation for the great work of our staff. She noticed the leveling of APA program expenditures, and commended the division for the effectiveness of the policies that help to contain costs without creating hardship for our clientele. The ongoing reduction in ATAP caseloads though effective work services supports and the promotion of self-sufficiency continues to be a success, and the more thorough evaluation in the medical review process for Interim Assistance has positively affected the APA program. Good work one and all. Thank you.