WHEREAS:
The delivery systems for major federally-funded, state-administered benefit programs, including Unemployment Insurance, Food Stamps and Medicaid, are under great financial stress; and

WHEREAS:
Lack of resources has led to growing and unmanageable caseloads and a reduction in casework assistance for applicants through increased reliance on call centers and internet-based application procedures; and

WHEREAS:
These forces threaten the viability of the public delivery of these benefits as some states seek to privatize the eligibility determination process to both large corporate consortia and non-profit organizations seeking to take over this process in the name of expanding participation in these programs.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME, working with our affiliates, will seek ways to increase federal and state financial support for public delivery of these benefit programs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME will press for evaluations and investigations into the effect of automating the delivery systems and reducing casework assistance on access to these benefits; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME will develop and implement strategies for addressing growing efforts among corporate and non-profit provider groups to take over aspects of the eligibility determination process.
 
 
SUBMITTED BY: David Warrick, Delegate
AFSCME Local 795, Council 62
Indiana