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1992.10.05 :  Welfare Reform -- Utah SPED Demonstration

Contact:  Larry Dye (202) 401-9215
October 5, 1992

       HHS Secretary Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., announced today 
approval to implement the Utah Single Parent Employment 
Demonstration Program (SPED). 
       "In developing one of the most comprehensive efforts to 
reform a state's welfare program, Utah will be initiating a
broad, fresh approach," Sullivan said.  "Utah, like other states,
responded to the president's call to reform their welfare program
with an experimental approach.  Our commitment remains to review
each proposal carefully and expeditiously." 
       Utah expects to increase self-sufficiency through a 
combination of measures, including:
     -  While providing more kinds of support services than 
before, require more welfare recipients to participate in the Job
Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program (JOBS), which is 
designed to help them become employed.
     - Further encouraging employment by allowing recipients to 
have higher monthly earnings before affecting their welfare cash
benefits.
     - Making it easier for recipients to make the transition to 
self-sufficiency by broadening Medicaid, child care and JOBS 
services which can be provided after they leave welfare because 
of work.
     -  Allowing case managers to work more intensively with 
clients by streamlining the Aid to Families with Dependent
Children and Food Stamp administrative and verification
processes.
     - Helping keep clients off welfare by providing, when 
appropriate, a one-time payment to meet basic or special needs 
instead.
       "With these extensive changes in its current welfare
program, Utah hopes to restructure its welfare program to provide
incentives for welfare clients to move from welfare dependency to
self-sufficiency," said Jo Anne B. Barnhart, assistant secretary
for children and families. "I look forward to the results."
       A rigorous evaluation of the SPED program is required
under the waiver provided by HHS. The SPED demonstration program
is to operate for five years.  It will begin no later than March
1, 1993.

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