Stokes to consider changing status for welfare money

By Lisa R. Boone
Winston-Salem Journal

Stokes County is one of 10 counties in North Carolina that will have to pay part of the cost of its Work First Program if it is still an "electing" county when a budget cut becomes effective July 1.

An electing county is one that does not operate under the state's standard Work First Program, which is North Carolina's welfare program. As an electing county, Stokes would not be covered by state money if it uses more than what is allotted to it.

Jan Spencer, the director of the Stokes County Department of Social Services, told Stokes County commissioners Monday night at their regular meeting that the county's Work First budget, which is set by the state, has been reduced from $505,524 to $349,446.

Hey Steve: If I'm not mistaken, you were a commissioner when Stokes Co. decided to be an "electing" county.