Brief Description: Revising funding constraints affecting the Washington WorkFirst program.

Sponsors: Representative Boldt.

Hearing Date: 1/26/04

Staff: Cynthia Forland (786-7152).

Background:

In 1996, the federal government enacted welfare reform. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 shifted the emphasis of the federal program to a "Work First" approach. In 1997, Washington enacted its version of welfare reform, establishing the WorkFirst program.

The WorkFirst program is funded by the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant and state Maintenance of Effort (MOE) funding. The Legislature is required to appropriate this funding for the WorkFirst program to the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) each year in the biennial appropriations act. The DSHS may expend those funds in any manner that effectively accomplishes the outcome measures for the WorkFirst program defined by state law.

Summary of Bill:

The authority of the DSHS to expend the federal TANF block grant and state MOE funding is subject to approval of the Legislature in the biennial appropriations act.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.