This evening, I was privileged to deliver my annual State of the State address to your representatives and senators, meeting in joint session of the Alaska Legislature at the State Capitol in Juneau.
As I told the legislators, I have never been more excited about what the future holds for Alaskans, or more firm in my resolve to create an atmosphere in which Alaskans can fulfill their tremendous potential and achieve their dreams.
A new study finds that recipients have trouble with access, transportation and time.
TUESDAY, Nov. 9 (HealthDayNews) -- A small study conducted in a Boston neighborhood highlights the difficulty of affording heart-healthy food when you're a beneficiary of food stamps.
A family of four receiving food stamps came up $227 short for the month, while seniors living alone came up $103 short.
The Work Services Handbook is finally here!
The Work Services Handbook is an online document designed as a resource for case managers and other workers who provide Work Services to Temporary Assistance clients. The Work Services Handbook can be viewed here.
Below is a list of a variety of DPA forms that have been revised and/or distributed over the course of the last month. Forms can be ordered by following the instructions on DPAweb (How To Order Forms) and can also be obtained from the e-forms website.
Happy New Year Everyone. You all know that we have set improving work quality as a high priority for the Division of Public Assistance. Our Better than Average! campaign has set a goal of 93 percent Food Stamp Program payment accuracy by October 2004. We aim to finish the year below the National average error rate. We are starting to see improvement from your hard work and the quality initiatives that offices have put in place.
The Alaska Senior Assistance Program (AKSAP) is a new needs-based benefit program available to all Alaskan seniors age 65 or older that meet certain eligibility requirements.
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
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.
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."
WASILLA -- Bearing one of the largest budgets in state government during a budget crunch is no easy task, but Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Joel Gilbertson appears to be taking his duties in stride.