INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Associated Press has learned a federal
official has told the state to halt any further rollout of its automation of welfare eligibility because it is taking too long to process and approve food stamp applications.

Regional Administrator Ollice Holden of Food and Nutrition Service has sent a letter to Secretary Mitch Roob of the Family and Social Services Administration ordering the state to delay any further rollout of the welfare changes until it improves its timeliness in processing applications.

The letter is dated June 23rd, but FSSA spokeswoman Lauren Auld
says the agency did not receive the letter until June 25th.

The news comes on the eve of a legislative field hearing on the
welfare changes today in Kokomo.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson is criticizing Republican Governor Mitch Daniels and his administration's handling of the project.

She says she's heard concerns from many people about problems
they have encountered with the new system.

She says Daniels and his administration have heard the same
complaints but "apparently did not care enough to act."

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)