PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: ESA is adding an additional 20% work expense deduction in addition to the 50% earned income incentive already in place for TANF/SFA/GA programs. The 20% work expense deduction promotes self-sufficiency and is a work incentive. The inclusion of GA program is in keeping with the program simplification mandate from Governor Locke. Maximum earned income limits for TANF/SFA programs will be increased to account for the additional 20% work expense deduction. We intend to amend WAC 388-450-0170 and 388-478-0035. We will repeal WAC 388-450-0175.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Statutory authority for Economic Service Administration to adopt, amend or repeal rules are found in RCW 74.04.050 and 74.08.090.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: By giving TANF/SFA clients an additional 20% work expense education TANF/SFA clients will net more of their earned income. This will promote self-sufficiency and incentive to work. The current earned income cut-off standards will also be increased to account for the 20% work expense deduction. In keeping with Governor Locke's Executive Order on regulatory improvement we will apply TANF income budgeting rules to the GA program.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: DSHS welcomes the public to take part in developing the rule(s). Anyone interested in participating should contact the staff person indicated below. After the rule(s) is drafted, DSHS will file a copy with the Office of the Code Reviser with a notice of proposed rule making, and send a copy to everyone currently on the mailing list and anyone else who requests a copy.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. To have your name added to the list of interested parties to receive mailing and meeting announcements, contact Carole McRae, Program Manager, Economic Services Administration, Division of Assistance Programs, P.O. Box 45470, Lacey, WA 98504, phone (360) 413-3074, fax (360) 413-3493, e-mail mcraeca@DSHS.WA.GOV.
December 1, 1999
Marie Myerchin-Redifer, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit