Brief Description: Requiring that TANF recipients be given information on available programs for financial literacy.

Sponsors: Representatives Darneille, Haler, Morrell, Dickerson, Pettigrew, Simpson, Hudgins and Santos.

Hearing Date: 1/30/06

Staff: Sonja Hallum (786-7092).

Background:

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides temporary cash and medical help for families in need. Some families participate in the WorkFirst Program. WorkFirst was initiated to help low-income families become self-sufficient by providing training and support services necessary for parents to get a job, keep a job and advance in their careers.

The training and support services currently provided to TANF recipients does not currently require that the TANF recipients be provided with financial literacy information.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is required to encourage recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to learn about asset building and participate in programs to assist low-income persons in developing personal assets.

The DSHS must provide its regional offices, recipients of TANF, and any contractors providing job search, training, or placement services with notification of programs available in the state for financial literacy, individual development accounts, assistance with federal income tax information and the availability of tax credits, and other resources to assist with asset building.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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