Feds reward state for welfare cuts

Wednesday, July 3, 2002 | 9:49 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- The state Welfare Division has received a $2.2 million bonus from the federal government for its efforts in putting people to work and keeping them on the job in fiscal year 2000.

Gov. Kenny Guinn said Tuesday it was the third straight year the state was in the top 10 in achieving the goals of the federal Welfare Reform Act.

States are judged on getting public assistance recipients jobs and keeping them employed and on the increase in wages they receive.

State Welfare Administrator Nancy Ford said 3,065 people were put to work during the fiscal year. The $2.2 million will be used to make improvements in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, she said.

Twenty-seven of the 48 states received awards. Nevada received the maximum bonus -- a 5 percent increase in the federal grant the state is allocated, Ford said.

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