D S S   P R E S S   R E L E A S E

For Immediate Release:
February 19, 2008

Contact: Sara Anderson
(573) 526-0407

DSS Contract Saves $70,000 in Youth Jobs Program

Jefferson City — As part of the Department of Social Services’ (DSS) efforts to increase state government operating efficiency, its Division of Youth Services (DYS) announced it will save more than $70,000 annually due to a new contract for the Work Experience Program. The program provides youth the opportunity to receive wages while gaining hands on work experience for future employment.

“I commend the Division of Youth Services for answering my call to increase efficiency and accountability while achieving savings for taxpayers,” Gov. Matt Blunt said. "With this program alone, Missouri taxpayers will save $70,000 every year adding to the tens of millions of dollars in savings we have achieved across state government over the last three years."

“This is a great program and follows DYS’ mission to provide treatment and educate young people in our care so they will become productive citizens when they leave our program,” DYS Director Tim Decker said.

The Work Experience Program began in 1995 as a way for youth in DYS care to develop job readiness skills and gain on the job training experience. In FY 07, administrative costs for the program were $89,557. Under a new contract, the division has streamlined procedures and administrative costs to $19,123, achieving $70,000 in savings. Nearly 1,000 young Missourians participate in the program each year.

Since taking office, Gov. Blunt has encouraged all departments in state government to analyze their spending habits and take measures to improve efficiencies, enhance customer service and become better stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Today's announcement adds to the significant savings already recognized throughout the governor's administration. For example, among other things:

• Blunt's crackdown on fraud and abuse identified $19.5 million in savings within the state funded child care program for low-income Missourians. The savings allowed Blunt to expand care to nearly 3,400 children at no expense to taxpayers.
• Consolidations spearheaded by the governor in the state's information technology resources have improved efficiency and available expertise while saving taxpayers more than $1 million every year.
• Eliminating wasteful postage practices is saving tens of thousands of dollars within several state agencies including the Departments of Revenue and Natural Resources.