Section 409. Collection of Information; Reports.--The department shall have the duty:
(1) To gather and study current information constantly, and to report, at least annually, to the Governor, as to the nature and need of assistance, as to the amounts expended under the supervision of each county board, and as to the work of each county board, and to cause such reports to be published for the information of the public.
(2) To report, at least annually, to the Governor, as to the cost of living in the various counties, as related to the standards of assistance and the amounts expended for assistance, and to cause such reports to be published for the information of the public.