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Texas Food Stamp Applications Delayed

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Feb 20, 2008 4:59 am US/Central

Texas Food Stamp Applications Delayed

AUSTIN (AP) ― New state data shows that Texans in need of food stamps are waiting longer to have their applications processed.

The delays are linked to an updated computer system that was intended to modernize enrollment. Just 48 percent of stamp applications sent through the system in December were completed within a federally mandated 30-day deadline.

Nonprofits say the delays are causing them to spend more time helping people get emergency food.

State officials are blaming the backlog on too few workers trained on the updated software, known as the Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission says they're losing trained workers almost as fast as they're hired. To combat attrition, the agency says they're giving 6,000 workers raises or promotions.

About 3.7 million Texans receive public assistance.

(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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