HOUSE BILL 1260

HB 1260

BYRepresentatives Grimm, Brough, Lewis, Beck, Walker, Betrozoff, Ballard, McLean, Moyer, Fisch, Amondson, Miller, Doty, C. Smith, Silver, Chandler, D. Sommers, Fisher, P. King, Schoon, Brooks, Leonard and May; by request of Governor Gardner

Providing minimum wages for low wage earner nursing home employees.

House Staff:Dave Knutson (786-7136)

AS PASSED HOUSE AUGUST 10, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1006 was passed during the 1987 legislative session.  It requires the enhancement of nonadministrative wages and benefits above the moneys necessary to fund the minimum wage for nursing home employees specified in the legislation.  The 1987-89 Appropriations Act did not include the funding necessary to support this "compression" effect of the Low Wage Earner Salary Increase initiative.

The 1987-89 biennial appropriation for nursing home payments includes funds to raise wages of low paid employees in state-contracted nursing homes.  Language setting minimum wage standards for nursing home employees was vetoed by the Governor.

SUMMARY:

Funds are added to the 1987-89 Appropriations Act in the amount of $3.0 million of which $1.4 million is from the general fund-state to fund the compression effect of the Low Wage Earner Salary Increase initiative.

E2SHB 1006 is amended to enable the Department to limit reimbursement to the amount appropriated for legislatively authorized enhancement of nonadministrative wages and benefits above the moneys necessary to fund minimum wage.

Nursing homes contracting with the Department of Social and Health Services are required to establish minimum wages for their staff of $4.76/hour beginning January 1, 1988, and $5.15/hour beginning January 1, 1989.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Sue Johnson