Governor's Crackdown Results In Savings In Child Care Program
By: Import User
Updated: February 8, 2007
(Jefferson City) -- Governor Matt Blunt says savings from a crackdown on waste, fraud and abuse in the state's child care program will be used to fund improvements within the program.
The governor's year-long investigation resulted in $20 million in savings.
The investigation found bills for children no longer being cared for, facilities being paid for the same child twice and other abuses.
Blunt also announced his goals for programs being funded in 2008:
** Raising income limits for child care eligibility for low-income families from 108 percent of the federal poverty level to 126 percent, which equals an annual income of $26,019 for a family of four. Blunt's action will provide services for 3,348 additional children.
** Increasing by 5 percent the reimbursement rates for licensed and inspected child care providers, including qualified faith-based facilities.
This action will assist at least 28,475 children who are receiving care from these providers.
** Funding a $4 million electronic time and attendance system to bring additional efficiencies and savings to the program.
(Copyright 2007 by Newsroom Solutions/Regional News Service)
