I have reservations about the administrations reform proposal and am not convinced that turning administration of the cash and medical assistance program over to voluntary agencies is the most effective method for administration in all States and communities. In Oregon. for example. the program is jointly administered by the State. local voluntary agencies and mutual assistance associations. This approach has proven effective in my State. and I am pleased the Office of Refugee Resettlement has agreed to continue support for the Oregon demonstration program. Because of my lingering concerns. I would like to recommend that the authorizing committees maintain careful oversight as this Private Resettlement Program [PRP] is developed and implemented. Two specific areas of oversight are critical. I am concerned about adequate notification to States and the wellbeing of the affected refugees relating to the termination of the Statemanaged cash and medical assistance programs. In particular. it is essential that adequate review of any restructuring of the medical program occur prior to its implementation. Finally. as I stated in a letter to the chairman of the authorizing committee earlier this year. I have grave concerns about equitable access and treatment for all refugees throughout the States under a privately administered program. As you know. the present program assures equitable access and treatment for all refugees. However. with the proposed restructuring of the program I fear we will find many areas of our country where refugees will not be able to be served.
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Refugee refugees