Most concerning, though, is moving the responsibility for determining eligibility for these programs from the counties to the state, says Lynn Green, director of the Dane County Department of Human Services.

Today, someone who is struggling to get by can walk into the Dane County Job Center on Aberg Avenue in Madison, talk with a county employee about available assistance programs, and get help completing the online application for food stamps and medical assistance. If there are problems or emergency circumstances, “people can get answers. We can help,” says Green.

Under the model proposed in Walker’s budget, people from all over the state who need assistance would apply by computer, phone or mail to centralized centers, say county officials. There would be no opportunity for drop-in help.

This arrangement would also mean the end of the state’s payments to the counties for administration of the programs — some $4.5 million for Dane County buttressed with nearly $2 million in local funds — and a loss of county positions. About 70 jobs would be lost in Dane County, Green says.

“I’d feel terrible laying off staff, but the main issue is the consumer and quality of services,” Green says.