I have just learned of the hearings you held in Atlanta on February 12 to gather information concerning the impact of federal regulations on local services. As District Health Director for the Southeast Health District, I am extremely concerned about HEW's new regulations for Title XX services. We provide family planning services for approximately 6,000 women in this 16 county District. The intent of Congress with Title XX was to make these services more available to low income citizens. HEW's regulations will do just the opposite in many cases. The most onerous regulation is the requirement for a "verified" income which is required every 6 months! Family Planning patient's income will have to be verified each visit as they receive services only one or two times per year. The verification of the income takes (at minimum) 30 to 40 extra minutes per patient. This addition of 30 minutes work would double the time required to hold the clinics with no additional services offered to the patient. The irony is that we are mandated to offer the service, even if they are not "eligible" under Title XX; so we go through the whole process and serve them regardless. The cost in staff time, paper work, and client's time is enormous. Another regulation defines "family" for income eligibility purposes so that teenagers and college students would have to get a "verified income" from their parents. We are Federally required to offer our services to these clients without parental consent. The verification of the parents income would, in effect, be a requirement for parental consent. We are scheduled to implement Title XX's regulations on April 1. This will definitely cause us to have to decrease the number of clients we can serve because of the paper work; yet, without Title XX funds we would lose Title X. Together Titles X and XX make up about 60% of our budget. So in this "Catch 22" situation, the public loses either way. Your investigation into this matter would be greatly appreciated. We would be glad to supply you with any additional information you might wish. I very much appreciate your letter of February 9, 1976 with reference to the Subcommittee on Oversight Procedures holding their public hearing in Atlanta on February 12, 1976. Unfortunately, your office did not get the letter mailed and I did not receive it until February 16--looks like there was an oversight someplace in your own office. As a small businessman; yet, one who has worked in big business for many years as well; it is obvious that the size of the Federal Government is completely out of hand. The overall figure on growth of the Federal Governmental Body well illustrates this point, and probably 50 percent of the governmental personnel could be elliminated without seriously interfering with the operation of our federal establishment. Obviously, this can not be done quickly or easily; but, I do not see anyone trying to take any action to accomplish it. Too many do gooders are in the government operations particularly as they relate to product safety and consumer products. About the only concrete accomplishment this group has made is added to the fires of inflation through their own bureaucratic organization and driving up the cost of consumer products in which they become involved. There has to be a simpler and better way to accomplish the same ends. Cordially yours, GAW: pw George A. Warren, Jr. Enclosed are just two photostats of forms generated under Executive Order no. 11246 requiring all firms to get certification from suppliers on compliance with various requirements of the Equal Employment Act. We are only a small business yet we have to fill out several hundred of these forms a year or we are dropped from bidding lists. Just imagine the tons of paper and hours of time involved in this giant paper shuffling venture. I doubt the millions of dollars cost which is added into the cost of doing business and the extra costs paid by the end user (the consumer) are warranted. Really, all this paperwork smacks of a "make work" venture in some bureaucracy. It is highly doubtful it accomplishes any greater compliance with the law. E-B Industries, Inc., its divisions and subsidiaries is required to comply fully with Executive Order No. 11246, as Amended, relating to Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Segregated Facilities Title 20, of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 741 relating to Employment of the Handicapped, 41 C. F. R., Part 50-250 relating to Employment of Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Viet Nam era, and 41 C.F.R. Sub-Part 1-1.13 relating to Utilization of Minority Business Enterprises. Pursuant to the foregoing Order and Regulations, we must secure from our major suppliers of materials and/or services certification of the provisions embodied herein. Since it would be difficult to determine in advance whether particular supplies will be used for Government Contracts, we are asking all of our sellers to agree that the provisions are a part of all purchase orders and contracts between our. companies. Please sign the enclosed certification confirming that you accept the above-mentioned provisions and return it to us. If you believe that you are exempt from any of the clauses, would you please send us a letter stating the facts which you base your exemption claims. Very truly yours, JAA/mme Enclosures J. A. Allikens A. Alokones Manager of Purchasing 660 Hopmeadow Street Simsbury, Connecticut 06070 Phone 203 / 658-4411 |