Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Children & Family Services Committee

HB 1837

Brief Description:  Expanding contracting out for WorkFirst activities.

Sponsors:  Representatives Boldt, Lambert and Mielke.

Brief Summary of Bill

$The bill authorizes the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to use performance-based competitive contracts for all activities related to WorkFirst recipients.

Hearing Date:  2/19/01

Staff:  Deborah Frazier (786‑7152).

Background: 

When welfare reform statutes were enacted in 1997, the Legislature authorized the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to use performance-based competitive contracts for all welfare-to-work activities.

A recent report by the Economic Services Administration of the DSHS showed 411 contractors for welfare-to-work activities.  The contractors are engaged in a variety of activities, including:  adult basic education, learning needs, job skills training and employment retention.

The remaining activities performed by state employees are case management and social work services to persons with multiple barriers to employment.

Summary of Bill: 

The bill authorizes DSHS to use performance-based competitive contracts for all activities related to WorkFirst recipients.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 13, 2001.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.