Public testimony on how federal and state funds are spent to provide public assistance for low-income Kansas and Kansans with disabilities by the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services will be presented on Wednesday, June 3, at SRS Staff Development, Rooms B and C, Topeka State Hospital grounds, 300 S.W. Oakley, Topeka.

The meeting, to be chaired by SRS Secretary Rochelle Chronister, 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 1998 Social Service Block Grant (SSBG) state plan, the 1998 Low Income Energy Assistance Plan (LIEAP), and the SRS budget for state fiscal year 1999, which begins July 1, 1998.

The 1999 state budget encompasses all programs administered by the agency, including cash assistance, medical assistance, assistance for persons with mental illness or developmental disabilities, vocational rehabilitation assistance, alcohol and drug abuse services, and services for children and families.

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.

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

Page Last Updated: May 29, 2001