DHS cost-cutting could include 200 jobs union says

[The Sushi Bandit]

Source: honolulu Advertiser

Lawmakers raised concerns today about proposed cost-cutting changes to how the Department of Human Services processes applications for key social services, including food stamps and MedQuest, which could trigger more than 200 layoffs of eligibility workers, a union representative said.

Nora Nomura, of HGEA, said the layoffs are part of a planned reorganization, which would close more than 50 eligibility offices statewide.

The eligibility offices would be replaced with two processing centers in Honolulu and Hilo, where workers would communicate with applicants by e-mail, letter or phone only, Nomura said.

Rep. John Mizuno, chairman of the Human Services Committee, said in a briefing on the changes this morning that the reorganization was "shocking." "It's actually deplorable, what's being done here," Mizuno said.


Read more: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100208/BREAKING01/100208037/DHS+cost-cutting+could+include+200+jobs++union+says

---

Gov. Lingle (R) is at it again!

[JDPriestly]

1. This is deplorable. Doesn't Gov. Lingle know that many of the

people who most need these services are completely unable to apply by phone, mail or in any way other than by walking in and talking to another human being. I am thinking of a specific person I know. We have been trying to help him get food stamps, but he is horrified at the thought of filing an application.

[nightrain]

2. that may be the point.... fewer clients...

[midnight]

3. Republicans use govt. for private piggy bank to fund their private needs.