3141-S2 AMH HINK FORR 224

2SHB 3141 - H AMD TO H AMD (H-5161.3/10) 1134

By Representative Hinkle

NOT ADOPTED 2/14/2010

    On page 1, beginning on line 5 of the striking amendment, after "that" strike all material through "implementation." on page 5, line 34 and insert "state implementation of the historic federal personal responsibility and work opportunity act of 1996 through the Washington WorkFirst program created by Chapter 58, Laws of 1997 has achieved successes for participants in meeting the program goals of caseload reduction, reduced recidivism to public assistance, job retention, increased earnings, and placement into private sector, unsubsidized jobs. 

    (2) The legislature also finds that since the state enacted welfare reform, the number of families on welfare in Washington has dropped by more than fifty-one percent from its peak prior to reform.  The legislature further finds that as of 2008, WorkFirst, compared to the program it replaced, had significantly increased the likelihood of employment by welfare clients; increased average earnings; reduced child poverty; and resulted in clients being much more likely to remain off welfare a year after exiting the program.

    (3) After more than a decade of experience with WorkFirst, the legislature reaffirms its intent under RCW 74.08A.200 RCW that all applicants to the Washington WorkFirst program shall be focused on obtaining paid, unsubsidized employment, and that the focus of the Washington WorkFirst program shall be work for all recipients.

    (4) The legislature recognizes the importance of appropriate educational and job training activities in achieving successful outcomes for many WorkFirst clients, and the continued need for subsidized child care to move the lowest income parents toward economic independence. 

    (5) The legislature finds that after more than ten years of declining or flat caseloads, even during the prior economic recession, the number of persons enrolled in WorkFirst has increased as economic conditions deteriorated during the last two years.  The legislature finds there is a need to improve and accelerate efforts to meet the program goal of placing clients in unsubsidized employment, with necessary and appropriate educational and job training and support.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 74.08A RCW to read as follows:

    (1) The Washington WorkFirst subcabinet, in consultation with the governor, shall evaluate the WorkFirst program to assess its performance in meeting the goals and performance measures established in chapter 74.08A RCW.   In conducting its evaluation, the WorkFirst subcabinet shall review the recommendations of the WorkFirst reexamination work group prepared for the governor and the members of the WorkFirst subcabinet in October 2005; measure the implementation of those recommendations; and identify the effectiveness of those recommendations in meeting stated program goals and outcomes. 

    (2) The Washington WorkFirst subcabinet shall report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2010.  The report shall include any recommendations, based on the evaluation of the program required under subsection (1) of this section, for program changes and the reallocation of resources, including any legislation that may be required for implementation."

EFFECT: Removes all elements of the striking amendment.  Adds Legislative findings relating to the success of the WorkFirst program in meeting program goals and outcomes, and the recent economic downturn that has created the need to improve and accelerate efforts to place clients in unsubsidized employment. Declares Legislative intent to reaffirm previously stated legislative intent of the WorkFirst program in focusing on work for all recipients.  Directs the WorkFirst subcabinet, in consultation with the governor, to evaluate the program and assess its performance in meeting the goals stated in chapter 74.08A RCW.  Also requires reviewing the recommendations of the 2005 WorkFirst Reexamination Work Group; measuring the implementation of those recommendations; and identifying the effectiveness of those recommendations in meeting the stated program goals and outcomes.  Requires a report to the Legislature by December 1, 2010, with any recommendations for program changes, reallocation of resources, and legislative changes.

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