SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    HB 1941

                              AS OF APRIL 1, 1991

Brief Description:  Directing the department of social and health services to seek a federal waiver that would allow certain public assistance recipients to retain internship income.

SPONSORS:Representatives Bowman, Leonard, Moyer, Winsley, Paris and Mitchell.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Staff:  Joanne Conrad (786‑7190)

Hearing Dates:April 2, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Public assistance recipients who work have their earnings deducted from their grant amount.  This applies to paid internships as well.  This can serve as a disincentive for public assistance recipients who want to become economically independent.  This earnings deduction applies to recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent Children, the Family Independence Program, and the Jobs Opportunities and Basic Skills Program.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Social and Health Services will seek waivers from the federal government, under the Family Independence Program and the Jobs Opportunities and Basic Skills Program, allowing recipients to keep income earned from internship employment related to a job training program.  If the federal government approves the waivers submitted by the Department of Social and Health Services, the recipient will be allowed to keep income earned through an internship program.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available