INPUT Releases Economic Stimulus Guide on Social Services

INPUT Releases Economic Stimulus Guide on Social Services

Report Analyzes $36 Billion Allocated to State and Local Governments for Social Services

Reston, VA (Vocus) May 28, 2009

INPUT], the leading authority on government business, has analyzed the The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 which allocates $36 billion to social services, aiming to replenish depleted state and local budgets. The funds will address reductions in state and local government public welfare by extending unemployment benefits, providing workforce training, addressing the needs of seniors and funding programs for child and youth nutrition and education.

According to INPUT, the bulk of federal funds for social services will flow to the states and municipalities. State agencies have the infrastructure in place to spend the funds, but local agencies may struggle and will need more resources, training, and staff.

In the report, Economic Stimulus State & Local Vertical Report: Social Services], INPUT makes recommendations to government contractors on how they can leverage stimulus dollars.

INPUT's Take

Nine states will get more than $5B in social services spending. They include: Texas, California, New York, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania
Three New England states received $250M or less. They include Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire
Public welfare programs will be stabilized through this funding, which essentially provides a one-time infusion of funding to existing operating programs rather than supporting new programs
States are under great pressure to commit the funds for these programs in order to support families, and increase consumer spending that can help boost state economies
Opportunities can be found in professional services, training, staffing, information management systems
The ARRA funds allocated to social services boost operational spending on: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); WIC; Unemployment Insurance
Because it reduces the pressure on states to address social services budget shortfalls, the funding could delay necessary state budget reform
This funding doesn't reform welfare services - a future task for the Obama Administration
States will likely use ARRA money for professional development and skills training
There will be greater transparency and public tracking of social services stimulus funds

See tables for detailed breakout of allocations to various social services programs.

INPUT Recommendations to Government Contractors

Team up with existing social services contractors and leverage existing relationships
Review your existing state and local government contracts and determine which ones can be used for ARRA projects by task orders
Identify State Administering Agency (SAA) contacts for federal grant programs and make contact
Get to know the CIOs at government agencies, as they will exert influence on social services technology projects
Serve on state level advisory bodies and be active in government professional organizations
Be prepared to act quickly: keep an eye on state plans, as this will be the first opportunity to see how you can benefit from ARRA
Understand that you'll be closely monitored by agencies tracking your progress and the money you've spent

Report Authors Sherry Ashbury, principal analyst at INPUT, and Shadi Shakibai, senior analyst at INPUT, are available for media inquiries.

(INPUT graphics available to media upon request)

About INPUT

INPUT is the authority on government business. Established in 1974, INPUT helps companies develop federal, state, and local government business and helps public sector organizations achieve their objectives. Over 2,000 member organizations, including small specialized companies, new entrants to the public sector, and the largest government contractors and agencies, rely on INPUT for the latest and most comprehensive procurement and market information, consulting, powerful sales management tools, and educational & networking events. For more information about INPUT, visit http://www.input.com or call 703-707-3500.

Proper use of name is INPUT.

Media Contacts:

Hiba Mohamed
INPUT
703-707-3686

Chuck Kabat
Schwartz Communications
781-684-0770

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Contact Information
Hiba Mohamed INPUT www.input.com 703-707-3686	Chuck Kabat 781-684-0770

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