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OASAM News Release: [10/18/2004]
Contact Name: Peggy
Abrahamson or Jane Norris
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
or x5052
GovBenefits.gov Joins Aaron, Ruth and Bonds by
Scoring 712 Benefit Programs
Website Helps Citizens Determine Possible Eligibility
for Benefits
WASHINGTON — As baseball excitement soars with the
start of the playoffs, the San Francisco Giants' unsecured playoff spot has
halted Barry Bonds' home run battle for another season, but his record stands
among the few truly elite who have reached 700 home runs—Hank Aaron, Babe
Ruth and GovBenefits.gov. GovBenefits.gov hasn't been around as long as those
legendary sluggers, but this website's 712 federal and state benefit programs
are a home run for all citizens.
Since the site launched in April 2002, GovBenefits.gov (www.GovBenefits.gov)
has provided government benefit eligibility information to more than 13
million visitors. The website, managed by the U.S. Department of Labor, was
established as part of the President's E-Government strategy to create a
more accessible, citizen-oriented government. The site now features a total
of 712 federal and state-administered benefit programs for seniors, students,
children, prospective homeowners, entrepreneurs, caregivers, veterans, retirees,
people with disabilities, farmers, ranchers and many more.
GovBenefits.gov scored this milestone by adding 194 new state-administered
benefit programs to the site, including Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families, Low Income Home Energy Assistance and State Children's Health
Insurance. Over the coming months, GovBenefits.gov will continue adding more
state programs, such as Head Start; Home Energy Assistance (Weatherization);
Special Milk; Summer Food; Women, Infants and Children; and School Breakfast
and Lunch Programs.
“Hitting our milestone of 712 programs on GovBenefits.gov is a home run,
but reaching our goal of making 1,000 federal and state benefit programs
available through GovBenefits.gov will be a grand slam,” said Patrick Pizzella,
DOL Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management and Chief Information
Officer.
GovBenefits.gov is a collaboration of 10 federal agencies: the U.S. Departments
of Labor (managing partner), Agriculture, Education, Energy, Health and Human
Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, State, Veterans
Affairs and the Social Security Administration. GovBenefits.gov has been
able to offer these new state programs with help from federal and state agencies.
GovBenefits.gov has earned numerous awards from private industry and government
organizations, including an Excellence.gov Award from the Industry Advisory
Council and a Gracie Award for Excellence in Government Technology from Government
Executive Magazine.
Media Availability: Patrick Pizzella, Assistant Secretary
for Administration and Management and Chief Information Officer, or a GovBenefits.gov
website expert are available for interviews. Please call 202-693-5052 to
schedule an interview.
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