HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_1652to the general Im al," can be used. If N.C. wants to participate in an emergency contingency fund
ai the Ihrlcral level, then the state must maintain 100% of its funding. The legislation calls for the
state to maintain 100"s, of its funding and standard counties will have to maintain 100% of their
funding- I Iistorically, in an economic downturn, N.C. has never qualified for this money, because
its unemployment rate has never been high enough to qualify. "We are not concerned about making
the goal for the emergency contingency level." In conclusion, 100% for the state,100% for standard
counties, and 90",, for an electing county. I f the electing county makes its goal for two years it drops
to SO",, with no restrictions on the funds.
Bo,nc asked if the amount, subject to the block grant, was just the amount that had
preciously gone to AFDC. tic said he thought this included the state share of the salaries for certain
employees. The base amount would be more than the total amount of AFDC. Berry concurred..
Stewart said a few of the component programs of TANF previously used some of the same
applications. She asked it' separate applications would be needed. The paper trail might be
increasing. Howard said a computer system ($47 million) would be purchased. A software program
is being developed wherein the data is entered and all of it interfaces. Therefore, eliminating some
of the fortis -paper work. Stewart then asked about the Alexander vs. Flaherty court order. Howard
said it would sunset in March of 1998. This will be before implementation. Berry said that federal
legislation delinked AFDC and Medicaid. Automatic eligiblity for the two programs was delinked
with TANF. 'the legislation says that the state may have automatic eligibility. Whether the state
plan, that will guide the standard counties, includes this is unknown.
Fortner asked about the five -pan plan. Who should create the plan? Berry said there was
money in the legislation for technical assistance for all counties. There is also a requirement to
develop a committee domed from county agencies (mental health/DSS/Board of Health) and other
human service entities. Berry confirmed that a person from the Dept. of Human & Health Services
could assist the county. Berry reiterated that every county, electing or standard, had to submit a plan.
Johnson asked if the legislators were satisfied that there would be adequate state personnel
to advise too counties. Howard said a template would be available for all counties. It is being
created for standard counties now. All they will have to do is plug in the numbers —one size fits all.
An overlay template of the state plan will be available. When there is flexibility for counties to
decide it will be flagged on the computerized template. A manual on the computer screen will be
available to advise of options.
Boone said there was more red tape forall counties, regardless ofwhether they were standard
or electing. Stewart asked if administrative costs for electing counties would be seen. Berry said
that for electing counties, the state funds would be paid to them upfront — beginning every quarter.
This will be done to assist counties (they can draw interest) to help offset any unforeseen type of
increase. However, the legislators do not see this happening. Plus, ifelecting counties do not spend
all of the state funds it is permissible to retain them. The better the counties do, the larger the pot
ofmoney to work with. Ifsomething unforeseen comes up later, it can be dealt with during the short
session of the General Assembly.
Commissioner Boone asked about the physical writing of the welfare checks. Howard said
the state would continue to provide this service. It currently charges 92 cents per check. It has been
reported that private companies are willing to provide this service at a much cheaper charge.
Howard went on to say that a 20 -member seated legislative commission would insure that all the
plans were in compliance. A cross-section ofcounties is needed for the elected county program.
The General Assembly will have final say so on which counties are elected vs. standard.
Boone asked for the negatives. Howard said that the state department (DHHS) was not
receptive to change. Now, however, the top officials (Bruton & FitzGerald) were offering their
support as has Gov. Hunt,
Rep. Howard said that cash assistance was no longer an entitlement. (Food stamps, however,
continue as such.) Commissioner Johnson asked about individuals acquiring jobs, then quitting,