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Health & Fitness

Capitol Report: July 25, 2013

Interim Committee Demands Accountability from DSS

A government that is allowed to operate without regularly being held accountable for its decisions is bound to become impervious to the will of the people. Missourians deserve a transparent government that responds to their needs and uses its resources wisely. To this end, the House developed the Improving Government Responsiveness and Efficiency Interim Committee, which has been tasked with fostering openness and efficiency in our state departments.

This week, the committee heard testimony from the Department of Social Services on child abuse investigations and records, mismanaged spending on childcare facilities, erroneous food stamp payments, and changes made to DSS’ contract that allowed PCG, a private company, to move able-bodied Missourians onto disability payments. Read more here.

Missouri Faces Penalty for Food Stamp Inaccuracy

Missouri faces a $1,725,250 penalty from the federal government after the Department of Social Services’ error rate for food stamp payments exceeded six percent. This error rate reflects how often the department distributes incorrect benefit amounts to recipients. Our state’s error rate has been higher than the national average since 2008, but the penalty was triggered after it reached 7.18% in 2012. Read more here.

NCJW's "Store" Prepares Local Students for School

Going back to school each fall can be stressful for any child, but for those who must face the classroom without proper supplies or adequate clothing, the situation is especially daunting.

To provide underserved students in the St. Louis area with the tools they need to succeed, the National Council of Jewish Women’s (NCJW) St. Louis Section hosts a “Back-to-School! Store” each year where children can “shop” for free clothing and supplies. Read more here.

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