SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6181

                      AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 12, 1992

Brief Description:  Providing funding for senior volunteer programs.

SPONSORS: Senators Newhouse, Rasmussen, Anderson, Nelson, McDonald, Talmadge, Wojahn, Hayner, Thorsness, Sellar, Murray, Snyder, M. Kreidler, Patterson, Johnson, Craswell, Amondson, Bauer, McMullen, Oke, L. Smith and Erwin

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Roach, Vice Chairman; Madsen, and Sutherland.

Staff:  Barbara Howard (786‑7410)

Hearing Dates: February 5, 1992

BACKGROUND:

Throughout the country, individual volunteers over the age of 60 have provided a highly valuable resource in many programs which could not otherwise be offered.  Local programs already in place receive federal funds for up to 50 percent of their activities through the community assistance agency ACTION, and some state money was made available two years ago. 

Although there is a Center for Voluntary Action in the Department of Community Development (DCD), no statutory authority exists for the activities known as R.S.V.P. (Retired Senior Volunteer Programs).

SUMMARY:

Legislative findings indicate that retired seniors have dedicated themselves to programs for education, at-risk youth, adult literacy, and combating drug abuse, and many others.

DCD is directed to distribute such funds as are appropriated for retired senior volunteer programs (RSVP) as follows:

--    At least 65 percent of the moneys may be distributed according to criteria determined by DCD in consultation with the RSVP Directors Association;

--    Up to 20 percent may be distributed by a competitive grant process to develop RSVP projects in counties not being served, or to expand existing projects;

--    Ten percent may be used by the department for administration, monitoring grants, and providing technical assistance.

--    Up to 5 percent of the funds may be used to support projects that will benefit RSVPs statewide.

Grants under the program must give priority to programs in education, tutoring English as a second language, combating drug abuse, housing and homeless, and respite care under the following criteria:

--    None of the grant money may be used to displace paid employees;

--    Grants must be made for programs that focus on (1) developing new roles for seniors in nonprofit and public organizations; (2) increasing the expertise of volunteer managers and RSVP managers; (3) increasing recruitment, referral and placement of senior volunteers; and (4) providing support such as mileage to and from assignments, recognition and volunteer insurance.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

TESTIMONY FOR:

There already are some limited funds for the programs, but the statutory authority is certainly needed.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Dan Casey, Washington R.S.V.P. (pro)