PA Counties Enthusiastic About New Human Services Block Grant

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nearly half of all Pennsylvania counties have applied for funding through the new, innovative Human Services Block Grant program, Department of Public Welfare Secretary Gary D. Alexander said today.

"Counties have repeatedly asked for greater flexibility in human services funding and Governor Corbett delivered it," said Alexander. "This year, 30 counties have applied for the limited 20 available block grants slots, demonstrating their preference for this more efficient form of funding."

Applications were due to the department by Aug. 17. The 30 applications received are now under review and the 20 counties chosen to participate will be announced in early September. All applications will be reviewed by the department's executive team as part of a competitive, merit-based selection process.   

"Block grants allow counties to maximize each dollar for recipients, reducing the amount of time and money spent on bureaucratic red tape," said Alexander. "The block grant approach gives counties the flexibility they need to use their human services funding in ways that are unique to their constituents' needs."

Block grant funding allows counties to decide where the money is most needed. Traditional funding streams define up front how much money is spent on each program, resulting in an inefficient; one-size-fits-all system. 

"The governor and I remain determined to work with the General Assembly to provide this same flexibility to all Pennsylvania counties so that they can better serve their residents and deliver services with maximum efficiency," said Alexander.

For more information about the Department of Public Welfare, visit online at www.dpw.state.pa.us. Pennsylvanians who suspect welfare fraud should call 1-800- 932-0582.

Media contact: Carey Miller or Anne Bale, 717-425-7606

Editor's Note:  Below is an alphabetical listing of counties that have applied for human services block grant funding. 

1. Allegheny
2. Beaver
3. Berks
4. Bucks
5. Butler
6. Cambria
7. Centre
8. Chester
9. Columbia
10. Crawford
11. Dauphin
12. Delaware
13. Erie
14. Franklin
15. Fulton
16. Greene
17. Lackawanna
18. Lancaster
19. Lehigh
20. Luzerne
21. McKean
22. Northampton
23. Potter
24. Schuylkill
25. Tioga
26. Venango
27. Warren
28. Washington
29. Wayne
30. Westmoreland

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare