Director's Office

I would like to join Governor Murkowski in honoring each of you by designating Public Assistance Workers Appreciation Week, July 13-19, 2003. The important work of case managers, support service staff, supervisors, administrative support personnel, employment specialists and others is not always apparent to the public. However, the people you help achieve self-sufficiency, or those unable to work whom you help with financial assistance, medical assistance or other services, know first-hand of your work. It is an art to be able to give aid, to lend a hand without building dependence, and to respect and preserve the dignity of those whom we serve. For your great success at this vital job, and for your contributions to the people of this State, I offer my sincerest thanks and congratulations.

Public hearings to be held statewide

Emergency regulations for the Alaska Senior Assistance Program, a new safely net program for needy seniors, took effect July 1, 2003. The Alaska Senior Assistance Program is a needs-based benefit program that offers $120 per month to all Alaskan seniors age 65 or older who meet certain eligibility requirements.

The regulations give specific guidance for implementing the new program. Copies of the regulations, as well as additional information on the Senior Assistance Program, can be found on the Division of Public Assistance (DPA) web page at http://health.hss.state.ak.us/dpa/.

Eligible seniors will receive their final Longevity Bonus checks in August 2003. With that check, they will receive information about a new program called the Alaska Senior Assistance Program (ASAP). The ASAP is not a replacement for the Longevity Bonus, but it will help soften the blow to some seniors who are losing the bonus.

The Alaska Senior Assistance Program is a temporary program that will provide $120 a month to Alaska seniors age 65 or older who meet certain income and asset tests.

On July 1, 2003, the statewide reorganization became effective. We welcome our new staff at the Anchorage Childcare Program Office and Kevin Henderson and Kathy Ensor to the DPA team. As part of the division

Most Alaskans know someone who has a seasonal job -- they play an important part in the state's economy. Just how important a role is revealed in a new report from the Department of Labor.

That belief is confirmed in a new study that shows Alaska's workforce jumps by 50,000 jobs every year when seasonal work begins. And that number tends not to change much year-to-year.

New Office of Children

I am pleased to report that the first day of our reorganization was a success. We had a few blips in the Medicaid check writing process, but if you consider the size and scope of the reorganization effort, our first day was a success. This was due to the work of the employees of this department and the time and effort that went into the reorganization plan. It was no small task-and you deserve congratulations. This is the largest reorganization in our 84-year history as a department, one that we undertook to provide better service to Alaskans.

Earlier this year, Governor Murkowski issued an administrative order asking that all department websites adopt the "look and feel" of the new state website.

The new look is in place for the department and DPA. There may be some broken links or other issues that should be resolved soon.

Additionally, we will soon be updating DPAweb and the public DPA website to update the new organizational structure.

Over the past two weeks I have been on the road as part of an effort led by the Governor's Office, to discuss the Governor's final budget. I've made dozens of presentations to providers, partners, stakeholders, and the news media, and you have probably seen some of the coverage. I thought that the article that appeared in the June 22 Peninsula Clarion did a good job of explaining our budget, our reorganization, and our future plans. You can view this online at the Peninsula Clarion.

GUIDELINES: State expects 7,500 to qualify; 18,000 got longevity bonus.

JUNEAU -- The state announced income guidelines Thursday for a new program to provide $120 monthly payments for low-income seniors who will lose longevity bonuses in September.

Senior advocates said the program will help some needy senior citizens, but they fear others will fall through the cracks. "As my mother used to say, it's better than a sharp stick in the eye," said Pat Luby, legislative representative for AARP in Alaska. "It's still going to be a mess for many of our oldest citizens."