Brief Description: Restricting the use of funds for the Washington WorkFirst program.

Sponsors: Representative Kagi.

Hearing Date: February 14, 2005.

Staff: Cynthia Forland (786-7152).

Background:

In 1996, the federal government enacted welfare reform, shifting 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 emphasizes the importance of gaining employment and staying employed.

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 Legislature is required to appropriate the federal TANF block grant and state MOE funding. The DSHS is required to expend that funding in a manner that effectively accomplishes the outcome measures for the WorkFirst program defined by state law. Expenditure of those funds is subject to appropriation and subject to any conditions contained in the biennial or supplemental operating budget.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: None requested.

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