Good government works to benefit all Alaskans

During the first year of the Murkowski administration, it was discovered that Alaska had a persistent problem with food stamp payment accuracy dating back to 1997. So significant was the problem that the state had the highest error rate in the nation in federal fiscal year 2003.

As a result, Gov. Murkowski declared improvement in this program a top priority. Two years later, the efforts of the governor and his administration have paid off. Literally.

On Thursday, U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Eric Bost awarded the state's Department of Health and Social Services $205,389 in recognition of the state's food stamp program being among the three with the most improved payment accuracy in the nation.

The food stamp program requires precise measurement of work quality. A monthly audit of sampled cases determines if the correct benefit amount is issued to participating households. These findings are totaled into an annual payment error rate for each state, and contribute to the national error rate determination.

States that are over the national average payment error rate are subject to financial penalties. Alaska's payment accuracy problem, in addition to being among the worst in the nation, resulted in several years of financial penalties.

DHSS Commissioner Joel Gilbertson credited the turnaround to "decisive action and hard work." It's the kind of work that often goes unnoticed in the public sector, whose critics are too quick to point out examples of government waste and inefficiencies.

More significant than the national recognition and award money coming in, though, is the public money that will not be leaving the state. Since 1997, Alaska has paid payment error penalties totaling nearly $1.75 million.

Of additional benefit, after receiving the federal award, Gilbertson presented $20,000 to the Food Bank of Alaska to provide fresh Alaska produce for child food programs in the state. This means that in addition to feeding hungry children, money from the federal award will help boost the state's economy through the purchase of locally grown produce.

Congratulations to the Murkowski administration for this excellent example of good government. This is an achievement that not only benefits all Alaskans, it is one all Alaskans can be proud of.