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NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY DIRECTORS OF SOCIAL SERVICES
EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS COMMITTEE
May 7, 2003
MINUTES
The NCACDSS Employment Programs Committee met on Wednesday, May 7, 2003 at 12:00 noon in Room 864 of the Albemarle Building in Raleigh. The Meeting Attendance Roster is attached.
Bobby Boyd, Committee Co-Chair, opened the meeting and welcomed members and guests.
The Minutes of the April 9, 2003 EPC meeting were approved as written.
INTRODUCTIONS AND DIVISION REORGANIZATION UPDATE
Bobby Boyd introduced JoAnn Lamm, head of the new Family Support and Child Welfare Section. JoAnn discussed the intent to bring Work First & CPS policy and Foster Care & Adoption policy together. The challenge will be for Policy Consultants in both Work First and Children’s Services to think about a “family-centered” approach. The new Section is on a learning curve in the program areas. Plans are to post the Work First/CPS Policy Manager position. David Atkinson will supervise both the Children’s Services and Work First consultants.
Committee members and guests introduced themselves.
PRESENTATION: FORSYTH COUNTY DSS FINANCIAL LITERACY INITIATIVES
Bobby introduced Dr. Ann Hamilton, Director of the Forsyth County Department of Social Services. Ann introduced her staff members in attendance: Kay Albright, Bobbi Bales and Melinda Hartley. Bobby added that Ann is a former Chair of the EPC.
Using a power point presentation, along with several handouts, Ann and Kay discussed the FC DSS Personal Financial Success Initiative. The mission statement of the Department is: “To partner with families and the community in achieving safety, permanence, and prosperity”. Ann and Kay discussed the key components of their initiative, including: (1) Personal Financial Literacy; (2) Money for Moms; (3) Tax Policy & Clinics; (4) Ways to Work; (5) Women & Money; and (6) Individual Development Accounts. Their three (3) target populations are: (1) Adolescents cycling out of foster care; (2) Work First families; and (3) Families involved with the DSS Child Welfare System. The focus of the initiative includes: (1) Acceptance of personal responsibility; (2) Financial decisions and their consequences; (3) Building up personal equity; and (4) Encouraging self-sufficiency.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and an example of the impact on a Work First family was explained.
In 2002 in Forsyth County volunteers completed 1,693 tax returns. Refunds amounted to over $1,450,000. Of this total, over $300,000 was directly due to the EITC. A total of 21% of these taxpayers qualified for the EITC. The use of volunteers saved these taxpayers at least $330,000 in fees. The impact of the Advanced Earned Income Tax Credit was discussed.
The Forsyth Working Families Partnership encompasses the goals of: (1) Promoting the EITC; (2) Tax Preparation; and (3) Asset Building. A chart giving partial EITC county data for 1999 was shared with committee members. In 1999 in North Carolina $920,442,397 in EITC benefits were claimed. Based upon the GAO estimate that 25% is not claimed, the unclaimed portion of EITC benefits would have been $230,110,599. This is the potential for more money for North Carolinas low income working families and would have a positive economic impact in our communities. Most low income households would spend the money.
Ann referred to the study performed on banking practices of North Carolina’s Work First families.
In Forsyth County volunteers to handle VITA sites also came from Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, civic clubs and C.P.A. groups. Casa Guadalupe did returns for Hispanic citizens. Eleven (11) clinic sites (+ AARP sites) were conducted in 2003.
Examples of the social investments in low income families, including: Cash Assistance; Housing Subsidies; Child Care; Medicaid; Food Stamps; School Nutrition Program; Emergency Assistance; Case Management; Job Training; and other services were shared with the Committee.
A copy of House Bill 804 (S574); “An Act to Create a State Earned Income Tax Credit” was shared with committee members. Wayne Black pointed out that the State EITC proposal was a NCACDSS legislative goal last year.
A copy of U.S. Senate Bill 813 (requiring States to promote financial education under TANF and to allow financial education to count as a work activity) was shared with committee members.
Ann pointed out that a family with children earning less than $15,000/year is 26 times more likely to be involved with DSS child welfare services than a family earning $35,000 or more each year. She emphasized our goal of moving families out of poverty. She stated that future social policy and income redistribution efforts will be done through tax policy and it is important for our staff to better understand tax policy and be able to help our clients become more financially literate.
Kay Albright talked about recruitment of volunteers for VITA training sites. Jim Boone (IRS) is very helpful and can be contacted at 336-378-2326 ( jim.boone@irs.gov ). Jim can provide forms and explain EITC. To become a tax preparation site contact Mary Williams at 336-378-2197 ( mary.h.williams@irs.gov ). Kay Albright will be available to answers questions and give guidance at 336-727-2077 ( albrigkf@co.forsyth.nc.us ).
Wilbert Morris updated the status of the State working on this initiative. He recommended that linkages with county agencies, community colleges and volunteer resources be sought in late spring-summer. The Public Affairs Office will work with this initiative. Kay recommended early recruitment of volunteer tax preparers, but added that we should use the IRS software to train the volunteers as close as possible to tax preparation season. Ann suggested starting with county government staff, many of whom may qualify for the EITC.
Kay agreed to get a list of county EITC figures to Wayne Black to forward to EPC members. Ann recommended that the Division of Social Services work to see that tax clinics are established in each of the 100 counties. The IRS is eager to partner with us.
Bobby thanked Ann and Kay for the excellent presentation.
OLD BUSINESS
Work First Caseload Report
Wilbert Morris shared a handout. From April to May the Work First caseload increased from 41,210 to 41,243 (+33). The Child Only caseload decreased from 21,989 to 21,970 (-19) and the Adult caseload increased from 19,221 to 19,273 (+52). There was an increase in 47 counties. This was the first month with an increase since January 2003. The trend has been to have slight summer month increases.
TANF State Plan Update
Wilbert reported that the TANF State Plan is in final draft form. Both the FY 2001-2003 Plan and the FY 2003-2005 proposed Plan are available for review on the DSS website. It has been sent to the DHHS Budget Office and will go to the House & Senate Co-Chairs. A summary of public comments will also be submitted. The Sanction change recommended by NCACDSS was incorporated into the final draft. The Plan will be submitted ahead of the May 15, 2003 deadline.
ABAWD Funding Survey
David Prince shared results of the ABAWD Funding Survey. A total of 60 of the 70 E&T counties responded. Of this total, 44 said NO and only 16 said YES regarding interest in the funding. Wayne Black shared some feedback that he had heard from DSS Directors: uncertain funding amount each year; administrative time requirement; emphasis on meeting Work First goals; etc. North Carolina will not submit a proposal for these Federal funds.
Other Old Business
1. Food Stamp E&T Program Funds
David Prince updated the Committee on the status of the Food Stamp E&T program funds through ESC. ESC has indicated that they have funds to match the Federal dollars this coming year. However, a Work Group will be selected to meet and discuss three (3) possible future scenarios: (1) ESC has matching funds; (2) ESC has no funds – County handles it; or (3) ESC has no funds – Contract with Community Colleges.
It was noted that if funds are not available then DSS’s would send E&T clients to ESC like everyone else. It appears however, that ESC has matching funds and the program will continue through FY 2003-2004.
2. Access to ESC Unemployment Insurance and Other Information Systems
David Prince asked for feedback from the group. A lot of DSS’s do not have access. It can be requested.
NEW BUSINESS
June Work First Applicant Surveys
The Committee agreed that the semi-annual surveys would again be done in June, 2003.
Healthy Marriage Initiative
Based upon conversations with Federal staff in Atlanta, they are pushing the eight (3) southeastern states to get involved in an assessment of current healthy marriage initiatives. A Work Group is being formed to look at existing initiatives in North Carolina. Pheon and Wilbert have met with N.C.S.U. Cooperative Extension Service staff. Atlanta may look at funding existing vs. new initiatives. Glenn Osborne, NCACDSS President, has named Work Group members, including Bobby Boyd (EPC Co-Chair). A Wilson County Faith Community Coordinator and Terry Keene (EPC representative) were also recommended for this Work Group. The Work Group should meet in May following a meeting with the Fed’s in Tennessee.
Ann Hamilton stressed the importance of improving the attractiveness of men as a mate through job skills development, employability and increased income as essential to promoting healthy marriages.
Wilbert asked that information regarding existing or current county healthy marriage initiatives be sent to him.
Future Meeting Plans
The next EPC meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 at 12:00 noon in Room 864 of the Albemarle Building.
Agenda items willl include: (1) Review of SCOPE OF WORK; (2) Reorganization and Impact on Committees; (3) other reports and updates.
Other New Business
Copies of the EPC Annual Report were sent to Committee members via e-mail and were available for guests at the meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
State Budget Status
Wilbert Morris gave a brief report on the status of the State Budget. In regard to the Work First Block Grant, the Senate Budget includes funds for: (1) IDA’s; (2) Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Initiative; and (3) Adolescent Parenting Program. The House does not include funding for these programs. The Senate Budget spends more WFBG money than is available; however, they may have projected some Cash Assistance carry-forward funds from FY 2002-2003.
No further business was discussed. The meeting was adjourned.
Wayne E. Black, Co-Chair
Date
NCACDSS EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS COMMITTEE
MEETING ATTENDANCE ROSTER
Date: 5/7/03
DIRECTOR |
COUNTY DSS |
VOTING DESIGNEE |
SIGN-IN |
Black, Wayne, Co-Chair |
Yadkin |
Wayne Black |
|
Boyd, Bobby, Co-Chair |
Catawba |
Bobby Boyd |
|
Burge, Paul |
Burke |
||
Cameron, Pat |
Harnett |
Ron Byrd |
|
Crandell, Larry |
Anson |
Lula Jackson |
|
Eason, Robert |
Carteret |
||
Foard, Harry |
Tyrrell |
||
Gunderson, Donn |
Craven |
||
Haithcock, Sammy |
Caldwell |
Sharon Johnson |
Sharon Johnson |
Hamilton, Ann |
Forsyth |
Bobbi Bales |
Bobbi Bales |
Hudgins, Dan |
Durham |
Rhonda Stevens |
|
Jacobsen, Richard |
Mecklenburg |
Angela McDuffie |
Angela McDuffie |
Marett, Earl |
Johnston |
Terry Keene |
Terry Keene |
Moore, Larry |
Columbus |
Algernon McKenzie |
Algernon McKenzie |
Morrow, Becky |
Robeson |
Sandra Cox |
|
Osborne, Glenn |
Wilson |
Susan Parker |
|
Osborne, Susan |
Alamance |
Linda Allison |
|
Sanders, Jim |
Montgomery |
||
Scarlett, Bill |
Cumberland |
Cindy Wilson |
|
Shiver, Reta |
Pender |
Alecia Williamson or Patricia Walker |
|
Spaulding, Maria |
Wake |
Barbara Harris |
Barbara Harris |
Wall, Donald |
Iredell |
||
Wasson, John |
Cleveland |
||
Wilkes, Sandra |
Rowan |
IF YOU ARE A VISITOR OR SPEAKER ON THE AGENDA, PLEASE SIGN ON BACK OF THIS FORM.
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE ROSTER
NCACDSS EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS COMMITTEE
PAGE 2
VISITORS & SPEAKERS SIGN-IN:
NAME |
AGENCY |
David Prince |
State DSS |
Kay Albright |
Forsyth Co. DSS |
Melinda Hartley |
Forsyth Co. DSS |
Cathy Renfrow |
Johnston Co. DSS |
David Atkinson |
State DSS |
Martha Miller |
Franklin Co. DSS |
Sharron Champion |
Franklin Co. DSS |
Yolanda Vance |
Mecklenburg Co. DSS |
JoAnn Lamm |
DHHS, DSS |
