SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SCR 8402

           AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 28, 1991

Brief Description:  Encouraging the establishment of housing assistance programs for teachers.

SPONSORS:Senators Murray, Bailey, Rinehart, A. Smith and Pelz.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8402 be substituted therefor, and the substitute concurrent resolution do pass.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Erwin, Vice Chairman; Metcalf, Murray, Oke, Pelz, Rinehart, and Talmadge.

Staff:  Leslie Goldstein (786‑7424)

Hearing Dates:January 24, 1991; February 7, 1991; February 28, 1991

BACKGROUND:

As housing costs increase in many metropolitan areas of the state, many teachers cannot afford to live in the areas in which they work. 

Housing assistance programs have been proposed as one method of helping teachers live in the areas in which they work.  Some researchers have found that helping employees obtain affordable housing helps attract and retain personnel and increases productivity.  A growing number of governments, financial institutions, and nonprofit housing organizations are beginning to explore ways to expand housing assistance for employees.

SUMMARY:

The Senate and the House of Representatives encourage the establishment of housing assistance programs for teachers by public and private entities.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The establishment of housing assistance programs is for both classified employees and certificated employees.  The Housing Finance Commission is encouraged to establish the programs.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Workers place housing benefits high on their list of priorities.  A number of programs could be accomplished without additional public funds required.  Innovative housing assistance programs for employee groups are starting all over the country.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Mike Piper, Assistant Director, Housing Division, Department of Community Development (pro); Marcia Gamble Guthrie, Executive Director, King County Housing Partnership (pro); Dan Hoffman, Research Director, American Affordable Housing Institute (pro); Kim Herman, Executive Director, Washington State Housing Finance Commission (pro); Gordon Schlike, Pacific First Bank (pro); Bob Fisher, WEA (pro); Tony Vivenzio, Service Employees International Union (pro)