training sessions were conducted in the first quarter of Several new initiatives were begun in 1977 on monitoring, -- Major evaluations of CSA's national emphasis programs, such as community food and nutrition, rural housing, and State Economic Opportunity offices were begun. A guidance manual on how to meet the CSA A plan has been established so that all Regional Offices will provide a regular program of training for grantees. CSA The agency is conducting an extensive study of its 25-260 (Pt. 7) O 78 10 1979 Request on field representatives so that they can Prior to the issuance of the Committee's Report, Managerial and administrative improvements in the operation of CSA programs described above will continue as the major thrust in 1979. The increased request in 1979 of $617,000 consists of salaries and benefits costs associated with full-year utilization of permanent employees hired during 1978 under the reorganization plan plus within-grade and career ladder promotions. This is offset partially by a reduction of 22 positions not required after completion of the reorganization. The reduction of the permanent position ceiling of 1,037 down to 1,015 in 1979 consists of 12 positions associated with the phase down of community economic development program and 10 overhead positions not required in the reorganization. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1978. ACTION WITNESSES SAM BROWN, DIRECTOR MARY E. KING, DEPUTY DIRECTOR JOHN R. LEWIS, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR DOMESTIC AND ANTI-POVERTY OPERATIONS MARGE TABANKIN, DIRECTOR FOR VISTA/EDUCATION PROGRAMS EMERSON MARKHAM, BUDGET DIRECTOR MARY LEYLAND, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE HELEN KELLEY, DIRECTOR FOR OLDER AMERICANS PROGRAMS Mr. FLOOD. We now have ACTION. The presentation will be made by Sam Brown. I see here, Mr. Brown, we have a copy of a statement from you. Mr. BROWN. Mr. Chairman, if I may, I would like to submit that statement for the record and make informal comments which amplify parts of it and truncate part of it.. Mr. FLOOD. We shall insert that statement in the record. [The statement and biographical sketch follow:] STATEMENT OF SAM BROWN HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON LABOR, HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE February 16, 1978 Mr. Chairman and Members: I am pleased to appear before you again at the end of an active year. Our requests in the budget submission for Fiscal of volunteers. way and others will be permitted in this budget. The year has been one of progress for ACTION and for its component programs. We are just completing our plans for reorganization. Our reorganization effort has produced several significant results. We have recently appointed eight Regional Directors who reflect the Administration's goals and have the capacity and sensitivity to implement those goals in the communities which they will serve. Of the eight, three are black, one Hispanic, and four are women. In keeping with the President's commitment, no employee will lose a job because of this reorganization. As a consequence, implementation of our plan will take a little longer, - - but we believe it's worth it. The reorganization will also strengthen our national program offices in VISTA and the Older American Programs. Most importantly and what makes this reorganization different than most others in the Federal Government it shifts the authority to run programs another step closer to the communities where those programs exist. Program approval will be moved out of the regional offices and into the state offices where community people will have better access to ACTION staff. We have streamlined our accounting practices, cutting fiscal coding requirements by nearly half. We have automated the process of matching volunteers with assignments around the world and throughout our own country. Perhaps, most encouraging, the number of inquiries from would-be volunteers is up significantly. I know that you will understand the significance of these things I consider accomplishments. Although a year ago I probably would not have thought, for example, of fiscal coding cuts as major undertaking, it is probably these and other administrative changes that make me now certain that ACTION is an agency on the move and certain that the program directions I have come to discuss with you represent realistic plans. ACTION has a mission. The agency and its programs for Peace Corps, VISTA, Older Americans, and our urban and rural programs, |