Communications & Workforce Technology

Study: Accessing welfare benefits online easier said than done

People who surf the 'net to find information about their state's welfare program and other social benefits may find themselves adrift in confusing Web sites that don't always deliver.

All 50 states use Web and Internet technologies to provide basic information about state welfare, unemployment and other social safety net programs, but only a few states, such as Pennsylvania and Washington, provide "one-stop shopping" that connects citizens to everything for which they may qualify.

Alaska's TANF program awarded $6.36 million for success

Alaska's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program in the Dept. of Health & Social Services, Div. of Public Assistance was notified recently that they were awarded performance achievement bonuses totaling $6.36 million. Alaska received $3.18 million for FY 01, the maximum bonus allowed for ranking first in the nation in the "job entry" category -- the percent of people placed in jobs. Alaska also received $3.18 million for FY 02 for successful performance in job entry, success in the workforce, and Medicaid enrollment

HHS Awards $200 Million to States for Welfare to Work Success

Alaska receives bonus of $3,180,454

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced the awarding of $200 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) bonuses to 41 states and the District of Columbia for success in employment and other program achievements during fiscal year 2001.

"TANF has been a tremendous success because of its central focus on helping families find and succeed at work so they can leave welfare dependency behind. I am pleased to award these bonuses for TANF program achievement," Secretary Thompson said. "While TANF has been very successful, we can do even better. Reauthorization of TANF needs to be completed quickly so states can build even stronger programs that help even more families."

Kenai studies local labor development

The Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District Inc. has completed an analysis of the Peninsula's work force development and an action plan that identifies private-sector needs and job opportunities, the group said. The report concludes that trainers/educators and employers have not communicated well enough on how they can help each other.

The industries expected to grow most include health services; food, beverage and hospitality services; human services; construction and maintenance; information technology and transportation services, the report said.

Texas DHSS wins award for reducing fraud through biometrics

The purpose of the LSIS program is to increase public confidence in assistance programs, reduce fraud that stigmatizes those who participate in such programs, deter fraud, and prevent duplicate participation. Finger imaging policy currently applies to applicants and recipients of food stamps and TANF. LSIS prevents duplicate participation by comparing the electronic finger images that are on file in the LSIS database and detecting any finger imaging matches. Potential applicants for assistance are informed about finger imaging requirements prior to application.

Former Kmart employees share frustrations in tight job market

"When I first heard about the layoffs, I figured I might not be affected," said Diana Forslund, one of the 65 Agrium employees who lost their jobs in June. "But I prepared myself just in case."

What she decided to do was return to school using a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor's Workforce Investment Act to study to be a radiological technologist. Forslund said she learned about the grant when she met with state labor counselors at the Kenai Job Center.

Informational Release on HR Enterprise Integration

(Juneau) - Governor Frank H. Murkowski has directed that the attached briefing paper be distributed to foster a better understanding of the administration's human resources enterprise integration project. This project will consolidate and integrate human resources managers and personnel functions under a single agency, the Division of Personnel within the Department of Administration.

"We appreciate the cooperation and hard work of our human resource managers in implementing this new system," said Murkowski." I would also like to recognize the professional conduct of all of those involved with these changes. Alaska is well served with public employees such as these."

Juneau Empire: Fund cuts may hurt job-retraining group

A Ketchikan-based organization that helps struggling commercial fishermen obtain training for work in the maritime industry may be in dire straits due to decreased federal funding.

SEALink Inc. received $500,000 in federal Workforce Investment Act funds this year for its low-income adult dislocated worker program, compared with $1.78 million last year, said Ralph Mirsky, the group's executive director.