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We are disappointed that, as usual, the Washington City Paper chose to accentuate the negative in “Hungry for More” (8/30). Buried in the article was the more important point that the District has the highest food-stamp participation rate in the nation. Missing from the article entirely was the fact the Department of Human Services has been awarded more in federal bonuses ($70 million) for its commitment to low-income families than any other state in the nation except California. Why is it news when the Department of Human Services receives a $600,000 penalty but not news when it receives a $4.6 million award for high performance in helping welfare recipients move into work, as occurred just last month?
The City Paper had an excellent opportunity to let its readers know about the performance of its government. While some challenges remain, local government and the residents we serve have a lot to be proud of. Let’s hope that next time your paper gives the full story and accurately informs its readers about both the bad and the good.
Administrator
D.C. Department of Human Services