State to receive $2 million welfare bonus

Thursday, Dec. 21, 2000 | 10:30 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Nevada is going to receive a $2 million bonus from the federal government for placing in the top 10 states in the nation in welfare work programs.

Gov. Kenny Guinn said Wednesday this was the second year in a row that the state got the extra money from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

"It is clear Nevada employers, Nevada welfare recipients and state employees, especially the welfare division employees, have done their part in earning this reward, which can be used to support additional services to help more low-income families in Nevada enter the workforce," said Guinn.

The 1996 federal welfare reform law included a provision for high performance bonuses for states that move parents on welfare into the job markets. Nevada ranked in the top 10 for achieving a high job entry rate.

Welfare cases in Nevada and in the nation have declined 59 percent since March 1995.

State Welfare Administrator Mike Willden said, "It is satisfying to know Nevada's investments in job training, child care, substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, transportation and counseling continue to increase the number of single parents working to support their children."