6296-S AMS HORN GORR 007

SSB 6296 - S AMD - 236

    By Senators Horn and Sheahan

                                                NOT ADOPTED 3/3/00

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  (1) The legislature finds that a relatively small number of those on welfare would qualify for college admission and may benefit from completion of their higher education at a community, trade, or technical college, or other institute of higher education.  In 1999, the federal government adopted final regulations for temporary assistance for needy families, allowing expanded use of block grant and maintenance of effort funds.  Therefore under federal guidelines these funds may be used creatively for a variety of special approaches, to help poor families achieve true financial independence.  (2) It has been suggested that funding be provided to allow selective access to postsecondary education for a limited number of qualified adult recipients of temporary assistance for needy families, while maintaining the emphasis on employment that is the hallmark of the WorkFirst program.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  (1) A legislative task force is established to review and make recommendations regarding the proposition that the legislature provide temporary assistance for needy families grants, including child care and tuition assistance, to a limited number of college-qualified individuals, with the goal of providing a means for highly motivated welfare recipients to complete college, exit assistance, and secure careers to benefit themselves, their families and society.  The task force shall consist of five members, as follows:

    (a) Two members from each of the two largest caucuses of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate;

    (b) Two members from each of the two largest caucuses of the house of representatives, appointed by the co-speakers of the house of representatives;   

    (c) A representative of the executive branch, appointed by the governor.

    The task force shall choose its chair from among its membership.

    (2) The task force shall review the fundamental intent, and history of the WorkFirst program and determine to what extent, if any, the system should be modified to meet the challenges of locating employment for individuals receiving temporary assistance for needy families, including the possibility of providing tuition assistance, to a limited number of college-qualified individuals.  In examining the possibility of providing such tuition assistance, the task force shall compare the success of individuals who attend school full time prior to employment in their particular field, and those who attend school part time and are simultaneously employed part time, thus acquiring valuable work experience.  The task force shall compare completion rates, salary levels and promotion opportunities of these two groups of individuals.

    (3) The task force shall use legislative facilities and staff from senate committee services and the office of program research, but may hire additional staff with specific technical expertise if such expertise is necessary to carry out the mandates of this study.  All expenses of the task force, including travel, shall be paid jointly by the senate and the house of representatives.

    (4) The task force shall report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2000.

    (5) This section expires July 1, 2001."

SSB 6296 - S AMD - 236

    By Senators Horn and Sheahan

                                                NOT ADOPTED 3/3/00

    On page 1, on line 2 of the title, after "families;", strike everything through "RCW;" on line 3 of the title.

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EFFECT: Strikes the bill and creates a study.