SB 5031-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Declares an intent to establish a wheels to work program, as a public-private partnership, to provide qualified families on temporary assistance for needy families with the ability to own a vehicle.

     Declares an intent to study the costs and benefits of the wheels to work program.

     Provides that the program will accept donated vehicles and provide them for lease to qualified adults who are receiving temporary assistance for needy families at the time of application for the program.  The department shall contract with a private nonprofit entity to operate the program in three locations, one in Pierce county, one in Yakima county, and one in Spokane county.  The program shall be expanded statewide one year after implementation.

     Directs the department of social and health services to contract with the Washington state institute for public policy to perform a study of the wheels for work program, including at the minimum a cost-benefit analysis, and an evaluation of the extent to which access to a personal vehicle enabled the family on assistance to progress toward economic independence.