[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 115 (Thursday, September 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    MILESTONE PAYMENT SYSTEM PROGRAM

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                          HON. J.C. WATTS, JR.

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 4, 1997

  Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the State 
of Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services' Milestone Payment 
System Program. This innovative program is currently one of the 25 
finalists in the Ford Foundation's 1997 Innovations in American 
Government Awards competition. Over 1,540 applications were received 
from Federal, State, and local government organizations. Innovations 
awards recognize innovative and creative approaches to pressing social 
and economic concerns.
  The Milestone Payment System Program deserves praise for being 
selected as a finalist. The program has demonstrated successful efforts 
to implement creative approaches to government. By contracting with 
vendor agencies to provide vocational preparation and job placement for 
disadvantaged citizens, the program focuses on specific goal-oriented 
results. In order for the nonprofit agency placing the individual to 
receive payment, the individual must achieve an established set of 
milestones.
  I applaud the efforts of this innovative and successful program. The 
Milestone Payment System Program is a unique government employment 
service, successful in aiding individuals with disabilities to make the 
transition into full-time employment. Properly aiding the disadvantaged 
is a pressing social concern, and I certainly hope this program will 
serve as a model for other jurisdictions.
  On this note, I want to express my gratitude to the Ford Foundation 
for their continued efforts in recognizing innovative approaches to 
government. By awarding programs such as the Milestone Payment System 
Program, other jurisdictions across the United States will learn of the 
success of this effective program.
  On October 7, each of the 25 finalists will make a presentation to 
the National Committee on Innovations. Ten winners will be selected. 
Regardless of whether or not Milestone Payment System Program is in the 
final 10, in my eyes the program is clearly a winner.

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