FAQ

Today is: Monday, February 8, 2010

FAQ

Q: How will citizens and state agencies use the Mississippi Management and Reporting System (MMRS) to track stimulus-related expenditures?
Q: How and where can local education nonprofits provide services to local schools through stimulus funds?
Q. Why hasn’t there been an alternate way for Mississippi counties to receive MDOT funds, particularly since Mississippi doesn’t have Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs)?
Q: How will the Governor’s Office/State of Mississippi ensure that minority and low-income workers are including in “green jobs” opportunities?
Q: I read that Mississippi received $44 million for workforce training. How will this money be used?
Q: What opportunities exist for current employers as a result of these stimulus dollars?
Q: What other opportunities exist for businesses?
Q: Has Mississippi accepted stimulus funding to enhance our state’s unemployment benefits system?
Q: Where can I get additional information on unemployment compensation or workforce funding through the ARRA?
Q: How can nonprofits who administer to the homeless access the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program funds?
Q: Who will administer the Homebuyer Assistance Program described in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program?
Q: Will any money go to the Division of Family and Children Services? If so, how much and for what purpose?
Q: If a nonprofit provides counseling and/or payments of electric bills, how can they access stimulus funds to help those in need?
Q: What are Child Care Certificates?
Q: Am I eligible for child care assistance?
Q. How may I participate in the program to provide nutrition for Mississippi seniors in congregate settings and for those who are homebound?
Q. What is a congregate meal?
Q. What do I do if my community does not have a senior center or congregate meal setting?
Q. What about seniors who are home bound?
Q. How long will the congregate and home delivered meals program be available?
Q. Is there help for seniors who wish to enter the job market?
Q. How long will the senior jobs program be available?
Q: Will stimulus funding for the Victim Assistance Formula Grant (VOCA) and STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant (VAWA) be subject to purpose areas and allocation, certification and match requirements?
Q: Will stimulus awards and current VOCA and VAWA formula grant awards be combined? And when will the awards be made?
Q: Can the stimulus money be used for hiring police officers?
Q: Our jurisdiction is still in the disparate status and is on the direct award listing. Are we eligible to apply to the State for JAG funding?
Q: If we are eligible as a disparate jurisdiction, would we need an interlocal agreement for the Memorandum of Understanding portion of the JAG grant? Would we have to spend the money as a joint project or can each entity have its own project independent of the other?
Q: When will Mississippi publish technology grant applications for law enforcement agencies?
Q: How will citizens and state agencies use the Mississippi Management and Reporting System (MMRS) to track stimulus-related expenditures?
A: All agencies and governing authorities will be required to post their revenue and expenses on the Department of Finance and Administration’s Mississippi Management and Reporting System Stimulus site. Revenue and expenditures are to be posted if the agency or governing authority is a direct recipient of funds or is a sub-recipient (example: MDA sub-grants to DFA for energy projects. MDA tracks as the prime recipient. DFA tracks as the sub-recipient.)
Agencies that process in the Statewide Automated Accounting System (SAAS) have been issued instructions for how to post revenue and expenditure transactions at the prime and sub-recipient levels. Summary transaction information is presently available at https://merlin.state.ms.us/merlin/merlin.nsf/Navigation?OpenForm&Stimulus.
DFA is developing the tools necessary for non-SAAS agencies and governing authorities to post this same level of information. Detailed instructions are expected to be released no later than June 1, 2009.
DFA also is building tools to allow all agencies and governing authorities to post their Stimulus contract awards and to link the related contract documents to the awards when finalized (as required by Senate Bill 2923). DFA expects to release instructions on these functions no later than May 1, 2009.
Finally, DFA is designing a process to capture the data required for Section 1512 reporting under the Stimulus Act (required for all ARRA discretionary appropriations). These, in part, should be available for the July 10 test reporting cycle (cumulative ARRA passage through June 30, 2009) and fully available for the mandatory October 10 reporting cycle (cumulative ARRA passage through September 30, 2009). These reporting requirements are now open for comment and final regulations are not expected to be released before August 2009. We are monitoring this process daily.
Instructions and policy information can be found at http://www.mmrs.state.ms.us/statewide_applications/Stimulus/index.shtml. This site is being updated as information comes available and as additional reporting and tracking capabilities are deployed.
Q: How and where can local education nonprofits provide services to local schools through stimulus funds?
A: The use of ARRA stimulus dollars is ultimately a local school district decision. School districts are required to follow all applicable rules and regulations in spending ARRA stimulus money. Local nonprofit organizations may contact local school districts to provide information on service provided by the organization. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education will use up to $650 million to make competitive awards under the “Invest in What Works and Innovation” fund. These awards will reward local education agencies, or LEAs, or nonprofit organizations that have made significant gains in closing achievement gaps to serve as models for best practices. Additional information will be forthcoming in fall 2009 from the U.S. Department of Education.
Q. Why hasn’t there been an alternate way for Mississippi counties to receive MDOT funds, particularly since Mississippi doesn’t have Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs)?
A: Mississippi has 10 Planning and Development Districts which are similar in nature to the RPOs, but do not receive federal funds directly. Funneling the ARRA funds through State Aid is the only established mechanism we have to distribute funds to the counties. Trying to set up another distribution method would have seriously hampered any effort to get the funds obligated before deadline in one year.
Q: How will the Governor’s Office/State of Mississippi ensure that minority and low-income workers are including in “green jobs” opportunities?
A: Although Mississippi continues to await federal guidelines for many of the programs funded through the stimulus package, citizens should realize that this infusion of one-time money presents our state with an opportunity to reach all people – regardless of their ethnicity, race, creed or other factors. The Governor’s Office is committed to ensuring that Mississippi strategically uses available funding – including funding for “green jobs” – to reach those who need it most, such as our unemployed and underemployed workers, as well as minority populations. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, there are several programs designed to meet the needs of these target groups - for example, a portion of the workforce dollars allocated to Mississippi has been specifically set aside for these individuals. As Mississippi continues to learn more about the ARRA guidelines, we will work to ensure stimulus dollars are distributed fairly, including through competitive bids, and in compliance with federal guidelines.
Q: I read that Mississippi received $44 million for workforce training. How will this money be used?
A: Most of the $44 million allotted to Mississippi under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will be divided among the four local workforce areas according to the federal formula. Each local workforce area will use this funding to target adult and dislocated workers, by enhancing job search, occupational guidance, assessment and employer recruitment and training services. The goal is to reduce long-term unemployment and help people return to meaningful employment. Local workforce areas play an important role in helping to meet the regional workforce needs of Mississippi. For example, part of the stimulus funding provides an increase for “On-the-Job Training” support, which assists local employers by covering up to half the cost of retraining workers. These “On-the-Job Training” dollars are distributed by the local workforce areas, which have intimate knowledge of their regional needs and resources. A summer youth program is also a part of this funding so that youth ages 16-24 are provided with real work opportunities that prepare them for employment.
Q: What opportunities exist for current employers as a result of these stimulus dollars?
A: Employers will have expanded training opportunities and access to re-structuring so current job seekers can obtain training and occupational guidance to meet employer needs. As an example, funds are available to help retrain and cross train workers to make companies more competitive in these difficult economic times. Support for this type of “retention” training can help companies maintain their workforce at optimum levels as new processes and product lines are introduced.
Q: What other opportunities exist for businesses?
A: ARRA provides a number of competitive grant opportunities to enhance the skills of our current workforce. For example, nationwide there is $750 million for high growth and emerging industry sector grants, which will be targeting certain high growth industries. Of the $750 million set aside for these grants, $500 million is reserved to prepare workers for “green jobs” as described in the Green jobs Act of 2007. The balance of the funds will be prioritized for the healthcare industry. The Department of Labor will award these grants, and further details are forthcoming.
Q: Has Mississippi accepted stimulus funding to enhance our state’s unemployment benefits system?
A: Yes. Governor Barbour signed the necessary paperwork and several changes to our state’s unemployment program were begun in March 2009. Now, Mississippians who receive unemployment compensation will temporarily see an increase of $25 per week in their weekly benefit checks. In addition, the Governor approved extending the qualification period for some beneficiaries, so Mississippians can potentially receive up to 33 additional weeks of unemployment payments.
Q: Where can I get additional information on unemployment compensation or workforce funding through the ARRA?
A: Within our state, the Mississippi Department of Employment Security is the lead agency on workforce opportunities and unemployment compensation available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. MDES can be reached at stimulus@mdes.ms.gov or www.mdes.ms.gov. Additional information can be found at the U.S. Department of Labor website. To access this information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/recovery/.
Q: How can nonprofits who administer to the homeless access the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program funds? }
A: Mississippi is in the process of reviewing the federal regulations and assessing how to determine the administration of the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program funds. MDA has had discussions with various homeless shelters, including the Continuums of Care in Mississippi, which represent 30 of the state’s homeless shelters. If you would like to share comments or suggestions on this program, MDA will host a public hearing at 10 a.m. April 24, 2009 on the first floor of the Woolfolk building. Information on the program will be posted to our website as direction is defined.
[ Q: Who will administer the Homebuyer Assistance Program described in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program?
A: MDA will award $8 million to the Mississippi Home Corporation. Mississippi Home Corporation will administer the program with MDA’s guidance.
Q: Will any money go to the Division of Family and Children Services? If so, how much and for what purpose?
A: Under ARRA, there is nothing specifically set aside for Family and Children Services through the Department of Human Services.
Q: If a nonprofit provides counseling and/or payments of electric bills, how can they access stimulus funds to help those in need?
A: There was no increase in LIHEAP (low-income energy assistance) but there was money authorized for weatherization and Community Services Block Grants. Interested parties should contact their local Community Action Agency for further information.
Q: What are Child Care Certificates?
A: Subsidized child care services are available to eligible families through certificates (vouchers) or contracts with providers. Parents may select any legally operating child care provider. The certificate pays for a portion of the child care costs.
Q: Am I eligible for child care assistance?
A: In order to be eligible for child care services, a child must be under the age of 13 (or under age 19 and physically or mentally unable of caring for himself or herself). The parent must fall within one of the following Eligibility Guidelines by Priority Group:

A. TANF Parent(s) (Priority I) - Eligibility for child care services for TANF parent(s) is determined by the MDHS, Division of Economic Assistance. The Referral for TANF Child Care form and computer information screen, received from TANF Case Manager, must be included in each child’s file. The two forms verify eligibility of TANF parents who are participating in an allowable TANF activity and are given priority for child care. The TANF parent is required to participate in an allowable TANF program activity. Each participant must comply with all program requirements.

B. Transitional Child Care (TCC) Parent(s) (Priority II) - The referral form received from the MDHS Case Manager will indicate that this parent is to be considered for TCC child care services and when child care services are to begin. Parent(s) leaving Priority II should be placed in the appropriate priority based upon income, family size or other determining factors.

C. Very Low-income, At Risk of Going on TANF (Priority III) - In order to qualify for full-time child care, the parent must be working at least (25) hours per week, or be enrolled full-time in high school or enrolled in a full-time GED program. In a two-parent family, each parent must be working at least (25) hours per week. The family’s gross income must be at 50 percent or below the State Median Income. Children in Protective Services are eligible for child care services without regard to the income. Foster parent(s) and Protective Services parents must meet the same work requirement as non-foster parent(s) but without regard to the amount of the foster parent’s income. Irregular hours of employment and income should be averaged.
D. Low-income, At Risk of Going on TANF (Priority IV) - In order to qualify for full-time child care, the parent must be working at least (25) hours per week. Documentation must be provided. In a two-parent family, each parent must be working at least (25) hours per week. To be Priority IV, the family’s gross income must be at above 50 percent of the State Median Income and at or below 85 percent of the State Median Income. Irregular hours of employment and income should be averaged.

E. Low-income, At Risk of Going on TANF (Priority V) - Based upon the availability of funding, children of parent(s) in an approved full-time educational or training program and working less than 25 hours per week regardless to where the family income falls up to the 85 percent of SMI.

F. Low-income, At Risk of Going on TANF (Priority VI) - Based upon the availability of funding, children of parent(s) in an approved full-time educational or training program and not working up to the 85 percent of SMI.
Q. How may I participate in the program to provide nutrition for Mississippi seniors in congregate settings and for those who are homebound?
A. Mississippians over the age of 60 may participate in the senior nutrition program by calling the local area agency on aging. Telephone numbers are available at http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/aas_agcy.html
Q. What is a congregate meal?
A. It is a meal and more. A nutritious lunch, served at a senior center or congregate meal site, is served with companionship and social interaction in a local setting. Activities such as games, arts and crafts, education programs, and exercise classes often are available. To find the closest site near you, contact your local area agency on aging at http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/aas_agcy.html
Q. What do I do if my community does not have a senior center or congregate meal setting?
A. If your community does not have a senior center, but would like one, contact the director of the local area agency on aging to explore ways your city or county can partner to invest in becoming an Aging friendly community.
Q. What about seniors who are home bound?
A. A limited number of home delivered meals are available for seniors age 60 and older who are unable to leave their home. The purpose of a home delivered meal is to provide a nourishing meal to persons who are at nutritional risk, usually because they can no longer care for themselves. To qualify for a home delivered meal, contact your local area agency on aging at http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/aas_agcy.html
Q. How long will the congregate and home delivered meals program be available?
A. The meals program is an ongoing program, however the ARRA-enhanced program will end August 15, 2010.
Q. Is there help for seniors who wish to enter the job market?
A. Seniors, age 55 and older, who are interested in employment, but may need additional training before entering the workforce, may participate in the Senior Community Service Employment Program. The program offers seniors who wish to learn new job skills to increase employability, a part-time (20 hours a week) training opportunity in a community host agency. Job skill development training is offered in the host agency environment, through WIN Job Centers, and other means to assist seniors toward fulltime employment. It is not a job but is instead a training program to help low-income seniors increase job skills and enter the workforce with increased training and a better salary. Training and education leading the fulltime employment is the goal. While in training, you will be paid minimum wage. Benefits are not offered. You will learn job skills and acclimate to the work environment in a host agency; such as a hospital, a government office, or a social service agency. You may also attend classes on job readiness, computer training, resume writing, and interviewing. To learn more about the program, contact your local area agency on aging at http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/aas_agcy.html
Q. How long will the senior jobs program be available?
A. The Senior Community Service Employment Program is an ongoing program. The ARRA-enhanced program will end June 30, 2010.
Q: Will stimulus funding for the Victim Assistance Formula Grant (VOCA) and STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant (VAWA) be subject to purpose areas and allocation, certification and match requirements?
A: Yes, stimulus funding is subject to program statutory requirements. The VOCA VAWA recognize, however, that current economic conditions may generate a larger than usual number of state hardship requests for match waivers. We will consider whether the waiver process can be streamlined and will provide more information on this issue as soon as possible.
Q: Will stimulus awards and current VOCA and VAWA formula grant awards be combined? And when will the awards be made?
A: It is not likely that these programs will be able to make only one set of Formula Grant awards in FY 2009. First, OVW and VOCA have not yet received FY 2009 funding. Second, the stimulus legislation contains specific provisions mandating accountability and transparency in how the stimulus funds are used, which will necessitate separate awards. Once the state receives compliance with all certifications, project implementation for subgrantees will begin.
Q: Can the stimulus money be used for hiring police officers?
A: Yes, the first priority for Recovery Act funds is job creation and retention. Guidelines under the COPS grant funds are different from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) guidelines and will not have a bearing on the JAG awards.
Q: Our jurisdiction is still in the disparate status and is on the direct award listing. Are we eligible to apply to the State for JAG funding?
A: If your jurisdiction is designated to receive a direct award for BJA/OJP, you will not be eligible for any JAG funding from the state Office of Justice Programs/Division of Public Safety Planning (OJP/DPSP).
Q: If we are eligible as a disparate jurisdiction, would we need an interlocal agreement for the Memorandum of Understanding portion of the JAG grant? Would we have to spend the money as a joint project or can each entity have its own project independent of the other?
A: The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) would be the same as an inter-local Agreement. It should define how the two jurisdictions want to spend the money. Coordination and collaboration are key parts of the MOU. Each entity could run its program but, one entity would be the on-line applicant and administrator of the grant funds and reporting requirements. Questions about the direct funded programs should be directed to Tamaro White, MS Policy Advisor OJP/BJA (202) 353-3503.
Q: When will Mississippi publish technology grant applications for law enforcement agencies?
A: The Office of Justice Programs/Division of Public Safety Planning is preparing its application for Recovery Act funds, which will be submitted no later than April 9, 2009. Our Request for Proposals will be published once our application is approved.