Changes involving 3 Louisiana agencies go into effect, Gov. Landry says

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Changes for three Louisiana agencies take effect starting Wednesday as part of Gov. Jeff Landry’s initiative to streamline state government.

“We are working hard to ensure the government in Louisiana is one that is of, by, and for the people!” Landry said.

State health department takes over some DCFS programs

Some programs were transferred from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). Those include:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Disability Determination Services (DDS)
• Electronic Healthy Incentives Project (eHIP)
• Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP)
• Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP)
• SUN Bucks

“This transition is designed to consolidate multiple benefit applications under one agency, reducing paperwork and wait times for residents while increasing efficiency for staff and creating a more seamless experience for Louisiana families,” according to Landry.

LDH said it can start administering SNAP due to the Project One Door legislation, which placed multiple benefit applications under one agency. People who receive SNAP shouldn’t expect any interruptions, and there are no changes in eligibility for benefits.

“The Department is excited about the future of the SNAP program,” LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein said. “Our team has worked hard to ensure this transition is seamless for recipients.  I want to thank Governor Landry for his leadership in making this a reality. This marks an important step forward — not only improving how government delivers services, but helping move individuals from dependence to independence.”

Reorganization of 2 Louisiana agencies

The state’s Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) completes its reorganization on Wednesday, two years after Landry’s order was issued. It will now be known as the Department of Conservation and Energy (C&E) and will contain six primary divisions.

“The re-organization is guided by the core principles of transparency in communication and processes, addresses the needs of economic growth and environmental stewardship, and creates solutions based in technology,” Landry said.

In another reorganization, the Louisiana Workforce Commission will operate as Louisiana Works after Landry signed a bill into law during this year’s regular legislative session. The new law allowed some programs from DCFS to be transferred to Louisiana Works.

“Louisiana Works, the state’s dedicated workforce agency, is integrating a variety of workforce programs, allowing for better case management and outcomes. The name Louisiana Works reflects their expanded role in serving businesses and people,” Landry said.

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