By By Lisa Tindell – news writer
Striving for excellence apparently has its rewards.
Gov. Bob Riley and Commissioner Page Walley of the Department of Human Resources accepted a $4.3 million performance bonus from the federal government last month for improvements in the state's food stamp program.
Alabama is being recognized as one of three states with the most improved payment accuracy of its food stamp program, and is one of only 10 states in the nation receiving a performance bonus.
In 1999, 2000 and 2001, instead of receiving bonuses, Alabama was penalized by the federal government for its level of payment errors.
Melinda Robinson, financial support supervisor for the food stamp division of the Escambia County DHR, said she is proud of the work that has been done at the local level.
When considering that the food stamp offices are in charge of disaster food stamps, the accuracy of their reporting is just short of a miracle, Barnes said.
Serving the people is what the agency is geared to do, Robinson said.