PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The community services division is proposing changes and additions to WAC 388-478-0005 Cash assistance need and payment standards and grant maximum, and any other related rules, to reduce the cash assistance grant maximum to $726.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.08A.100, 74.04.770, and 74.08.090.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department will propose amendments and additions to WAC 388-478-0005, and any other related rules, in order to reduce the cash assistance grant maximum to $726 to address a growing WorkFirst budget shortfall, driven by increased demand for services by families affected by the economic recession as described in the "WorkFirst Reductions" announcement dated March 4, 2011.
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 Sandra Jsames, Program Manager, Community Services Division, P.O. Box 45470, Olympia, WA 98504-5470, phone (360) 725-4648, fax (360) 725-4905, e-mail jsamesm@dshs.wa.gov.
July 6, 2011
Katherine I. Vasquez
Rules Coordinator