Public testimony on how federal and state funds are spent to provide public assistance for low-income Kansans by the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) will be presented on Tuesday, June 11, at SRS Staff Development Training Center, Topeka State Hospital Grounds, 300 S. W. Oakley, Topeka.

The testimony will be part of the quarterly SRS Open Meeting, led by SRS Secretary Rochelle Chronister. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and end at noon, or as soon as those present to testify have been given an opportunity.

Public testimony will be heard on three different program areas: the Social Service Block Grant (SSBG) State Plan, the Low Income Energy Assistance Plan (LIEAP) and the SRS budget for state fiscal year 1998, which begins July 1, 1997.

Individuals or organizations wishing to present views may do so by contacting Jackie Aubert at (913) 296-6216 by Friday, June 7, 1996. Testimony should be limited to five minutes and two copies of the testimony should be provided.

SSBG is federal funding provided for a variety of programs in Kansas, including long term care programs, child care, Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities programs, and foster care. LIEAP provides a one-time annual benefit to help needy Kansans pay for some of their home heating fuel or energy expenses. And the SRS budget encompasses all programs administered by the agency.

The meeting will also be carried via a network of telecommunications to the department's 12 Area Offices across the state. The Open Meeting will be connected through Kansas State University's Telenet system to Area Offices are in Chanute, Emporia, Garden City, Hays, Topeka, Kansas City, Olathe, Salina, Manhattan, Hutchinson, Lawrence and Wichita.

Page Last Updated: May 29, 2001