What ARRA you Buying? The boondoggle ends!

I have given you an account of the state’s use of ARRA funds in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation that chose to use the 8.8 million dollars funding a program called Project H.I.R.E (Hiring Individuals with disabilities who are Ready for Employment). I had pointed out how the project fell well short of the goals set and the individual placement costs were staggering – over 10 times the cost of a “regular” placement using existing Community Rehabilitation Providers.

They spent roughly half of the 8.8 million to place less than 100 people into jobs. The leadership of DVR has decided to end Project HIRE and to divert the money to other areas. The State Rehabilitation Council has suggested four areas to bolster service to improve services but to date we haven’t been told were the money will be spent.

I must applaud the executive leadership of DVR for recognizing the shortcomings of the program and high cost associated with it. According to one of the leadership members of VR they apparently learned important lessons and built new partnerships. Let’s hope the next foray into a project won’t cost 4 million tax dollars before the lesson is learned.

I still ask where would you place your ARRA money if given the choice?

Stay tuned.


CEO Viewpoint is published by Jim Larson, CEO Morningside

This space is intended to share my thoughts and update the community on issues concerning Morningside and its clients as well sharing inspirational employment stories.

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