From: Jim Dalman, Acting Director
We all read yesterday's announcement by Commissioner Gilbertson concerning the major reorganization plan for our Department. Obviously, there are dramatic changes in store as the administration seeks ways to more efficiently deliver services. The part of the plan that has raised the most questions for Division of Public Assistance staff is the movement of the Adult Public Assistance Program to Division of Senior and Disabilities Services. --- I wanted to share with you what I know about this part of the reorganization. The intent is not to move APA program management or function immediately or at the start of the next fiscal year in July 2003. This is recognized as a complicated shift of duties, and the details have not yet been fully considered. As such, it is considered a "Phase II" item. The department sees this reorganization design as a logical alignment of programs and services. In the coming months there will be much discussion between our two divisions to consider how it will best work. There is no definite plan at this time about how it will ultimately look, or if all or part of the APA functions would be transferred to the Division of Senior and Disabilities Services. I understand how anxious these events can make us feel, especially for all of you working directly with the APA program. Please be patient with the process and we'll all strive to work toward a smooth transition to effective model for the future of Adult Public Assistance.