Subject of Possible Rule Making: The division of employment and assistance programs will amend WAC 388-492-0040 Can I choose whether I get WASHCAP food benefits or Basic Food benefits?

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department has requested changes to the demonstration project waivers to federal regulations that govern the Washington combined application project (WASHCAP). Some of these changes pertain to the criteria by which a recipient can choose whether to participate in WASHCAP or apply for Basic Food benefits (opt-out). Pending approval of the new WASHCAP waivers by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), amendments may be needed to the rule to redefine the opt-out criteria for the demonstration project.

     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 rules. Anyone interested should contact the staff person identified below. At a later date, DSHS will file a proposal with the office of the code reviser with a notice of proposed rule making. A copy of the proposal will be sent to everyone on the mailing list and to anyone who requests a copy.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Rebecca Henrie, Program Manager, Division of Employment and Assistance Programs, P.O. Box 45470, Olympia, WA 98504-5470, phone (360) 725-4615, fax (360) 493-3493, e-mail henrira@dshs.wa.gov.

June 28, 2006

Andy Fernando, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

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