State to audit food stamp delivery process

Better late than never.

Health and Human Services Commissioner Tom Suehs has asked [state auditor John] Keel to audit the food stamp program to improve accuracy and efficiency.

“We must fix our system so that it works for everyone. I’m asking the state auditor to help us identify both immediate and long-term solutions to make sure all Texans are able to get their cases processed on time,” Suehs said.

Keel assigned a team to start the review as soon as he got Suehs’ letter on Tuesday.

“It’s an audit that needs to be initiated immediately,” Keel said Wednesday. “We’re going to study the process and look for efficiencies. We do want to look at other states.”

Employee recommendations also will be considered, said Keel, who would not speculate on how long the audit would take.

I’m sure it will take months, because there’s got to be a ton to find that needs fixing. I feel certain that there’s only so much that can be improved without legislative action, perhaps spurred by a lawsuit verdict, an infusion of money, or a trip through the time machine to prevent the disastrous privatization scheme that has decimated HHSC from ever occurring, but this is not a stone that should be left unturned, so kudos to Suehs for taking the step.

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