Gov. Daniels's Welfare Modernization Will Improve Service Delivery
Private sector brings technology upgrades; employees and customers win
By Geoffrey Segal

In "Changing Minds About Privatization" Mary Beth Schneider presents a relatively fair assessment of Governor Daniels efficiency efforts. However, she quickly glosses over the massive welfare modernization project without discussing why modernization was needed and how the introduction of private sector innovation will greatly enhance services to Hoosiers' who need it most.

Put simply FSSA was failing to meet customers needs. A paper intensive process often led to multiple trips and a lack of consistency that drove error rates to unacceptable levels-leading to $100 million in misspent funds each year. Technology would simplify and improve many of these services; however, it doesn't come cheap-and this was money Indiana did not have.

That's where a public-private partnership comes in. By partnering with the private sector, FSSA has been empowered to make systematic changes and upgrades quickly. This will bring about better, more accurate services to customers, faster.

Furthermore, despite the predictions FSSA employees are winners too. With more than 99% of them transferring to the private partner, at equal pay and benefits, employees are now able to focus on helping those who need help rather than pushing paper.

Geoffrey Segal
Director of Government Reform
Reason Foundation

An archive of Segal's work is here. Reason's government reform research and commentary is here.

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