October 18, 2006
State Gets $1.8 Million Bonus for Food Stamp Excellence
Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger accepted a $1.8 million bonus award Wednesday on behalf of the Food Stamp Program of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).
Nancy Montanez Johner, under secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was in Helena to present the award at a news conference in the state Capitol. The award acknowledges the state’s accuracy and timeliness in providing food stamps to low-income Montanans.
In state fiscal year 2006, which ended June 30, DPHHS issued more than $90 million dollars in food stamp benefits. An average of almost 82,000 Montanans benefited from the program each month.
The department plans to use the bonus money to address several key issues of importance to the administration of Gov. Brian Schweitzer:
Poverty Mitigation
In an effort to mitigate the most damaging effects of poverty, funds will be allocated to two initiatives:
- $350,000 will be awarded to Montana’s Food Bank Network to buy food or other acquisitions that will help reduce hunger.
- $300,000 will be dedicated to the Billings Homelessness Project to provide a “housing first” pilot project to help chronically homeless individuals.
Sustainable Agriculture
Gov. Schweitzer has initiated an important dialogue between the agricultural community and those seeking to end hunger in Montana. In March 2006, an initial meeting was held to explore ways of joining sustainable agriculture with hunger reduction. The food stamp bonus funds will support this effort in two ways:
- $200,000 will be used to extend the ability of food stamp recipients to purchase local foods at farmers markets or other locally produced food outlets.
- $50,000 will be used to develop specific recommendations on how to add value to Montana’s agricultural products by opening markets to low-income Montana families.
Prevention & Education
Gov. Schweitzer recognizes the importance of a “best beginning” for all Montana youth. The first eight years of life are crucial to development and later success. To advance these efforts:
- $300,000 will be used to ensure that low-income pregnant women have access to dental care in order to help ensure the health of their unborn children.
- $350,000 will be earmarked for home visiting and other pre- and post-birth services for participants in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). TANF is a cash assistance program for low-income families that also includes job training and placement. DPHHS recently implemented a policy allowing new mothers to use 8-12 weeks after birth to ensure a “best beginning” through education, time spent with their newborn, and public health services. The funds will support this effort by supporting community-based programs for newborns.
Performance Awards
This $1.8 million opportunity can be directly attributed to a dedicated six-year effort by public employees across the state. Montana’s newly implemented Pay Plan 20 (a state government pay structure that allows greater flexibility in recognizing performance and responsibility) provides an opportunity to reward this extraordinary level of public service:
- $250,000 will be set aside for one-time financial performance awards to about 500 employees who help to manage food stamp eligibility and distribution.
