Thursday, February 25, 1999
Warren reduces welfare cost 87%
Focus was changed to work assistance
BY SAUNDRA AMRHEIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LEBANON — A booming economy and welfare reform have helped reduce Warren County's welfare payments by 87 percent compared to seven years ago, far ahead of the state's drop by 59 percent.
Warren also is outpacing other Tristate counties in reducing the number of people getting cash assistance.
From March 1992 to January this year, Warren County's payments plummeted from $366,887 to $48,379, according to the Ohio Department of Human Services. The extra money does not amount to a surplus for the county to use; it simply means there will be fewer funds distributed by the state.
Meanwhile, the number of people receiving payments in Warren County dropped by 89 percent — from 3,344 to 378.
The state's total recipients plunged by 62 percent to 284,482, the lowest level since 1970.
“We've made progress beyond our wildest dreams,” said Philip Masten, director of Warren County Department of Human Services. “The economy itself has been one of the main drivers.”
A strong economy helped fuel the push toward employment that was tied to the federal and state reforms.
“That sets up a climate where it is easier for people on welfare to get a job,” said Jon Allen, spokesman for the Ohio Department of Human Services.
Beyond that, state and federal welfare reforms the past four years gave counties like Warren
the freedom to implement job-training programs, drug and alcohol counseling and mental health treatment.
“Before, our job was to issue checks to eligible recipients,” Mr. Masten said.
Now, some people who walk through Human Services' doors don't even need to fill out an application for benefits. A screener talks with them first and offers referral advice to other agencies that might be able to meet their needs.
Instead of distributing food stamps, Human Services has the flexibility to make one-time payments to cover a temporary need. Also, the office can pay for such items as tires so a person can continue driving to work, Mr. Masten said.
“Welfare is no longer a way of life,” said Doris Bishop, assistant director for Warren County Human Services. “It's on a short-term basis.”
Rebecca Adams, 31, was on welfare for two years before the county helped her land a job with Warren County Community Services more than a year ago as a switchboard operator.
The Lebanon single mother of two was promoted about a month ago to the position of social services worker. She helps low-income families budget their money or find assistance.
While on welfare, she had trouble finding a job that would accommodate her arthritic back problems and her children's schedule.
“My last job was at Wendy's, and that paid $5 an hour,” she said. Now, she makes over $8.50 an hour while expanding her computer skills.
“It's better now because I have the option to go back to school and get my social work degree or a business degree,” she said.
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