Sample State Cabinet Department Releases - by Targeted News Service

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES 'FOOD FOR FLORIDA' PROGRAM DELIVERS NEARLY $400M IN BENEFITS TO COUNTIES IMPACTED BY HURRICANE WILMA

Copyright © HT Media Ltd. 2005

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Nov. 15 -- The Florida Department of Children & Families issued the following news release:

Sunday, November 13th marked the end of the "Food for Florida" Disaster Food Stamp (DFS) program delivered in all 12 counties impacted by Hurricane Wilma by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). After Wilma ripped through South Florida, DCF quickly provided relief by launching the "Food for Florida" program which included early release of November benefits, *replacement and *supplement benefits for current program recipients, along with the disaster food stamp program for victims of the storm.

An essential partner in Florida's recovery process, DCF will have infused nearly $400 million in benefits by the holidays into the communities impacted by Wilma. The "Food for Florida" program was offered on-site in St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, Okeechobee, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties.

"Again this year, the DCF team was privileged to serve our fellow Floridians that have been impacted by hurricane season," said DCF Secretary Lucy D. Hadi. "With the assistance of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, local law enforcement, local governments, USDA Food and Nutrition Services, Florida National Guard, and our colleagues in the workforce system, we were able to bring this program to nearly 700,000 households or approximately 2.25 million individuals and provide most with the food stamps needed to get them back on their feet."

More than 200,000 Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards have already been mailed to eligible households for use at authorized U.S.D.A. food retailers. The projected 490,000 remaining households will be shipped their EBT cards before Thanksgiving.

"Food for Florida" benefits are good for 90 days from the date of issuance and must be used during that time. Regular food stamp recipients and those eligible for the "Food for Florida" Program may use their benefits to purchase hot prepared foods through November 30. This rule change will help those who lost their homes and cooking equipment and/or electrical power as a result of the hurricane.

*DCF automatically replaced 50 percent of the October benefits and eligible households were able to receive extra benefits (a supplement) in November to bring their amount to the maximum for their household size. The DFS program allowed Floridians who had been impacted by Hurricane Wilma to receive food stamp benefits if they didn't exceed the monthly income limit.

MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO HOLD FREE 'TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH' EVENT FOR MISSISSIPPIANS

Copyright © HT Media Ltd. 2005

JACKSON, Miss., Dec. 8 -- The Mississippi Department of Health issued the following news release:

The Mississippi Department of Health (MDH) will help Mississippians take charge of their health during a free health screening event on Thursday, December 15 in Jackson.

The event is free to the public and will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History at 200 North State Street, Jackson.

Mississippians can receive various health screenings and advice on healthy lifestyle choices from health experts. During the event, health officials will offer health indicator assessments and screenings for blood pressure, glucose, body mass index (BMI) and oral health. Health experts will also offer the latest educational material and information on preventive health issues such as women's health and physical fitness.

"Anyone can make healthy decisions when they are armed with the knowledge to do so," said Victor Sutton, MDH's Director of Preventive Health. "If Mississippians know where they stand in relation to their health, they will know the outcome of any health-related decision they make."

To help make these healthy decisions, MDH is now offering every Mississippian access to free health toolkits available on the new Take Charge of Your Health pages at www.HealthyMS.com/HealthyLiving. The toolkits can be used by individuals, churches, schools or businesses as well as health educators and worksite wellness coordinators.

Health officials say now is the time for Mississippians to take steps toward better health decisions. While there is no quick fix to good health, MDH's health toolkits are designed to empower and equip Mississippians to live healthier lives. The public can use the new features as a way to learn, plan and begin progress toward better health.

"Deciding how to begin making healthy decisions can be a puzzling and daunting task," said Sutton. "These toolkits will make decision-making easier for Mississippians."

For more information, contact MDH at 1-866-HLTHY4U (1-866-458-4948) or visit www.HealthyMS.com.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY WEBSITE HELPS USERS UNDERSTAND PERMITTING PROCESS

Copyright © HT Media Ltd. 2005

LANSING, Mich., Dec. 22 -- The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release:

The Department of Environmental Quality recently updated a section of its website designed to assist the general public and regulated community in learning more about the various DEQ permitting programs. The Environmental Permits, Licenses, and Certifications Web page can be accessed by simply selecting "Permits" from the top menu bar of the DEQ homepage (www.michigan.gov/deq).

Interested parties can find relevant permit programs for their business activities by reviewing the Permit Information Checklist found on the permit page. In addition, new businesses should review the Frequently Asked Questions which will help small businesses understand what permits they may need, and how they can apply for them.

A link to the recently updated DEQ Permit & Licensing Guidebook is also available which provides a comprehensive summary of all DEQ permitting and licensing requirements. From the Web page, direct links are also provided which allow users to access permit information by category (air, land, waste, water, etc.), as well as relevant DEQ Permit Program Web pages where additional information is available.

If you are interested in learning more about citizen involvement opportunities related to permits, review the DEQ Public Involvement Handbook, A Citizens Guide. This guide can be found under the link "Improve your input into DEQ Permit Processes," or by calling the Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278.