Reports Reflect Recession, Agency Progress, Struggles

State agency performance reports for FY09 show “key” agencies met their goals in some areas but missed them in others, with the recession both helping and hurting the effort.

The committee is scheduled to hear about the efforts of the agencies to meet goals set for FY09 at 9:30 a.m. on September 29. The hearing will include discussion of the agency report cards, the LFC system for assigning red, yellow and green ratings on the overall performance of the agencies.

The report on the agencies designated as “key” in state statute notes the Human Services Department met its goals for the timely processing of applications in SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program formerly known as Food Stamps, even though the recession has inflated the roles of the program.

The agency was unable, however, to overcome what is likely the recession’s impact on the goals for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. The HSD missed its targets for both the percentage of clients participating in work requirements and the job retention rate among those leaving the program.

The recession, the reports says, also made it difficult for the Transportation Department to meet road maintenance targets because of low revenue in the State Road Fund.

However, the recession probably made it easier for the Environment Department to meet its target for septic tank inspections. The number of permits was down 23 percent because of the economy-driven slowdown in the construction industry.

Other highlights in the reports:

•The Health Department reports tobacco use was down to almost 20 percent, a 1.5 percent decline from FY08.

•Call center wait times in the unemployment benefits program were down but the 20-minute wait was far from the agency’s goal of 5 minutes or less.

•The number of public schools classified as being in need of imporovement grew but the percent of students proficient in math improved.

•The number of fatal traffic accidents was down.

•The percentage of inmates committing new crimes within two years of release was down but the Corrections Department missed its goal on that performance measure.

•Although film companies received more in rebates and tax credits, the number of film industry worker days was down. Also the economic impact of the film industry, while up, did not keep pace with the increase in tax benefits to the film industry.

•The Children, Youth and Families Department met its target on the percentage of children abused within six months of prior abuse and the annual rate was slightly lower than last year but quarterly figures show a deteriorating trend.

•The rate of children in foster care determined to be maltreated was up.