STATE AWARDED FOR ACCURACY OF FOOD STAMPS
September 26 - Dozens
of state workers who are helping low-income residents were on hand to see
Lt. Governor Aiona and Department of Human Services Director Lillian Koller
accept a check for more than $500,000 from the federal government in
recognition of the state's accurate administration of its food stamp
program.
At a State Capitol news conference, the Lt. Governor credited Director
Koller and her staff for ensuring efficient, accurate and effective
administration of the program serving more than 90,000 individuals.
"Our food stamp program serves as the first line of defense against hunger,
and I am proud of your ongoing efforts to ensure our government is working
effectively for our people," Lt. Governor Aiona told Department of Human
Services workers who attended the news conference.
In 2006, Hawai`i had a food-stamp error rate of 3.4 percent, compared with
the national rate of 6.3 percent, according to the U.S. Department of
Agriculture.
The state's accountability allowed it to receive $567,407 from the federal
government. In fact, the program has received more than $3 million since
2003 for preventing errors and making sure people eligible for food stamps
are receiving them.
"That's a tremendous track record," said Koller, adding that "we all know
that success comes to those who work smart and work hard."
