For Immediate Release:
August 17, 2007

Contact: Sara Anderson
(573) 526-0407

Blunt Administration Receives National Recognition for Food Stamp Program

Governor’s Administration Receives $3.2 Million Bonus for Accuracy and Efficiency

St. Louis – Gov. Matt Blunt today announced that his Administration has been nationally recognized for their efficient and accurate delivery of nutrition services to Missouri families. For this achievement, Gov. Blunt’s Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Family Support Division (FSD) was presented with a bonus in the amount of $3,234,784 from the United States’ Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).

“Missourians deserve a state government that lives within its means and continually looks for ways to improve the accuracy and delivery of state services,” Gov. Blunt said.  “My administration has worked to ensure that Missouri families receive assistance during times of need. This great honor is a testament to the high quality of service that the Family Support Division delivers each day.”

“We are honored that Under Secretary Johner traveled to St. Louis to present the department’s Family Support Division with this honor,” DSS Director Deborah Scott said. “This award acknowledges the outstanding work of our Family Support employees in response to Governor Blunt’s call for efficient and effective government.  Day after day FSD employees put forth extraordinary efforts to assure that Missouri citizens who qualify for this important nutrition program receive their benefits accurately and expeditiously.  I congratulate our employees on this fine accomplishment.”

Missouri’s Family Support Division is one of the top in the nation with the best payment accuracy rates in FY 2006. Missouri and six other states shared $24 million in bonuses for best payment accuracy rates. Payment accuracy rate is based on a state’s payment error rate. The payment error rate refers to overpayment and underpayment of food stamp benefits. The national average of payment error rate is 5.99 percent. Missouri’s rate is 2.59 percent.

“Thank you to all of your employees who have dedicated their lives to making a difference for the millions of children and families who depend on us. You have done a phenomenal job in achieving a payment accuracy rate that is above the national average,” USDA Under Secretary Nancy Montanez Johner said.

FSD has taken steps to ensure top quality and integrity in the system through an electronic case review tool which provides immediate, consistent feedback to eligibility specialists. The tool provides managers with reports that identify error trends that can be corrected with additional training or policy clarification.  The state’s electronic application system also ensures consistent application of policy.

USDA Under Secretary Nancy Montanez Johner presents DSS Director Deborah Scott and FSD Director Janel Luck with a $3.2M Bonus for Food Stamp Excellence

Employees of the Chouteau and Prince Hall FSD Offices Accept the Check for Food Stamp Excellence on Behalf of all FSD Employees