Agenda - 08-02-1982 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

` ^ 05. . .`' .. of Representative Hackney on behalf of Orange County, F. BOARD MEMBERS REPORT ON 1982 NACo CONFERENCE The Board members presented reports on the 1982 NACo Conference which the Board members, County Manager and Clerk to the Board had attended in July in Baltimore, Maryland, Commissioner Whitted said that overall the programs were well balanced an the sessions were good. He said the counties were less than enthusiastic for Federal government to return programs to the State, additionally, he said the terminology was incorrect since the Federal Government had begun those programs, not the State. Commissioner Whitted was it was "wishful thinking" that the private sector can fill the "gaps."_ Commissioner Marshall said some of the programs she attended dealt with the feminization of poverty and the needs of the older population and day care. Regarding day care, she said it appeared that "business oriented groups" seemed to be "pushing aside" the professionals in day care. She reported on "operation match" a self-help program in Montgomery County, Maryland, which matches older persons in large homes with those who need housing. Commissioner Gustavpson said there was a marked contrast in attitudes thwar ' the "New Federalism" at this Conference compared to the Conference the previno ' year in Louisville, Kentucky. He said the "New Federalism" was a "very regressive" step for North Carolina. He reported on the activity on the energy front and said "all in all" that it had held "responsible grnund" f6r the major activity. Commissioner Walker said the ''Nev Federalism" was all we had to work with and he preferred to work within the framework provided by the President. He stressed cooperation with Pres-ident Reagan because there is "nothing else." Commissioner Hillhoit said one problem with the "New Federalism" is that it is phasing out its responsibility and money but retaining the mandates for the service provision. He said with regard to the Medicaid program as a result of the redifinition of eligibility, a number of persons who are indigent were now 1neligib:— for the program. He said we are willing to cooperate in trying to get the resource to make the programs workable. Other Board members, responding to Commissioner Walker's plea for cooperation said they wanted to be "full partners" not simply passively accepting; they want input into the mechanics of the programs,