HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1475

             As Reported By House Committee On:

            Trade, Economic Development & Housing

Title:  An act relating to the Washington service corps.

Brief Description:  Regulating the Washington service corps.

Sponsors:  Representatives Locke, Basich, Brough, Brumsickle, Carlson, Casada, Chandler, G. Cole, Dellwo, Dunshee, Edmondson, Eide, Forner, Grant, Heavey, Holm, Jacobsen, Jones, J. Kohl, Leonard, Ogden, Pruitt, Quall, Reams, Riley, Schoesler, Sheldon, Shin, Silver, Sommers, Springer, Valle, Wang, Wineberry, Wood, Kessler, Campbell, Bray, King, Hansen, Kremen, Roland, Dorn, Thibaudeau, Rayburn, Miller, Karahalios, Ballasiotes, Foreman, L. Johnson, Horn, Johanson, G. Fisher, Cooke, Long, H. Myers, Talcott, Lisk and Anderson; by request of Employment Security Department.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Trade, Economic Development & Housing, February 26, 1993, DP.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Wineberry, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Forner, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Campbell; Conway; Schoesler; Sheldon; Springer; Valle; and Wood.

Staff:  Charlie Gavigan (786-7340).

Background:  The Washington Service Corps (WSC) was created by the Legislature in 1983.  The Department of Employment Security administers the program.  The WSC provides unemployed and out-of-school youth, between 18 and 26 years of age, with temporary jobs that benefit the youth's local community.  The goal of the program is to enhance the employability of these youth while addressing unmet local community needs. 

Participants serve for six months and receive a stipend of $620/month, health insurance, training, and eligibility for a scholarship if the participant completes the full six months.  The scholarship is equivalent to one year's tuition at a community or technical college.  The scholarship must be used within two years.  The program allows for a six month extension of service.

At least 60 percent of the projects must be in distressed areas.

The WSC expires July 1, 1993.

Summary of Bill:  The expiration of the WSC on July 1, 1993, is repealed.   

The commissioner may enroll youth 14 to 17 years of age on special projects during the summer, and at other times of the year that may compliment their school curriculum.

Fiscal Note:  Requested February 8, 1993.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on June 30, 1993.

Testimony For:  This program helps unemployed youth acquire work experience and benefits local communities.  The bill allows a good program to continue.  The bill also allows 14 to 17 year old youth to participate when their school schedules permit.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Bill Basil, Washington Service Corp; Lona Wilbur, Swinomish Tribal Community; Angela Deparini, Coastal Community Action Program; and Paul Youmans, Coastal Community Action Program.