The backlog in the Division of Public Assistance has kept thousands of Alaskans waiting on food stamps and Medicaid, but it’s affecting other programs the division manages as well.
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State’s fix for Alaska’s food stamp backlog misses the mark, insiders say
Gov. Dunleavy is poised to sign a bill that will put millions of dollars into a fast-tracked solution to fix the state’s months-long backlog. But advocates and insiders say the emergency funding doesn’t go far enough — and the biggest problems are going unaddressed.
Fast-track budget bill, intended to help food stamp program, speeds through Alaska Legislature
The Alaska Senate voted 20-0 on Monday to approve the bill, which now goes to Dunleavy’s desk.
At Juneau rally, state workers call for more resources to fix food stamp backlog
The state has blamed the backlog on aging technology and a cyber attack in May of 2021, but employees say chronic understaffing is the cause. The union has also filed a grievance over the division hiring contract workers to help.
Thousands of Alaskans are still waiting for food stamps as state scrambles for solutions
Even Alaskans who have now gotten their benefits say that the months they went without left them with debt and fears for the future.