A press release will come out soon announcing that Alaska will receive over $6.3 million in Federal TANF High Performance Bonuses for federal fiscal years 2001 and 2002. In FFY01 Alaska placed first in the nation for Job Entry and received a bonus of over $3.1 million for that achievement. For FFY02 Alaska was 6th in the nation for Job Entry and was awarded about $2.3 million. Bonus payments were also made for Success in the Work Force ($590,000) and for enrollment in Medicaid ($258,000). Alaska received the maximum bonus payment (5% of our TANF block grant for each fiscal year). These bonus payments must be directed toward cash assistance for the families we serve and will help relieve some of the pressure caused by the budgetary challenges we are currently facing.
While it goes without saying, I'm going to say it anyway. Alaska would not have received these awards without the hard work and dedication of DPA, DOL, and contractor and grantee staff serving our Temporary Assistance families. Thank you all for your commitment to the people of Alaska and for the professionalism that is the hallmark of the welfare to work services you provide.
And, that is not all! We also received notification late in September that Alaska met its Two-Parent Participation Rate requirement for FFY02! As a result we are no longer under the cloud of federal fiscal penalties for not meeting the rate in prior fiscal years. Yippee!
While Alaska's relatively stable economy has definitely been a boon, both the High Performance Bonus awards and meeting the 2P rate are evidence that the support, services, and coaching you provide Temporary Assistance families, no matter how challenged they are by life's twists and turns, brings success and positive outcomes. When you pass co-workers in the hall, give them a high-five and a hearty congratulations. None of this could have been achieved without teamwork, a focus on the customer, and an understanding that every individual (including our clients) contributes to the success of the whole. Thanks again!
Ron Kreher
Work Services Program Officer
Division of Public Assistance