Mass. looking for ways to improve welfare programs

AP / March 8, 2013

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BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts officials are looking for ideas from the public about how to improve the state’s welfare programs.

Department of Transitional Assistance Interim Commissioner Stacey Monahan is holding a series of what she’s calling ‘‘statewide listening sessions’’ to let residents offer feedback.

The first session is scheduled for Friday at the Fall River City Public Library at 2 p.m. followed by hearings in Framingham on March 11 and Holyoke on March 13.

Additional events will be held in March and April.

Monahan said the sessions will inform residents about changes at the department designed to make sure taxpayer dollars are only going to those in need.

The chief of the state’s welfare system resigned last month in the wake a report that found widespread waste and the distribution of millions of dollars to people not eligible for benefits.