The Appropriations- Health, Mental Health, and Social Services committee has asked departments to go through the new decision items (NDI) they have requested funding for over the past few years and explain what the initiatives were supposed to accomplish and whether or not they are serving their intended purposes.
As legislators appropriate funds for various initiatives, we need to know whether or not the programs have brought about any positive changes in wellbeing or behavior.
The Department of Social Services (DSS) generally measures outputs, or how much money goes to program recipients, rather than the outcomes of its programs. Making a program larger does not mean that it is providing services more effectively. As we move forward with hearings, we will continue to ask DSS to provide performance measures for its operations.
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The committee has also begun to delve into the Governor’s budget proposal, which he outlined during the State of the State address.
At each Appropriations- Health, Mental Health, and Social Services hearing, there will be time set aside for members of the public to speak before the committee. Messages should be no longer than five minutes, but written materials are also accepted. Please email me at sue.allen@house.mo.gov if you are interested in testifying.