SENATE BILL REPORT

E2SHB 1564

BYHouse Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Wineberry, Nutley, Locke, B. Williams, Ebersole, Schoon, Scott, Grimm, Cantwell, Brekke, Heavey, Leonard, Barnes, Hargrove, Todd, Wang, Anderson, Kremen, Lux, K. Wilson, Unsoeld and Butterfield)

Providing employment and self-sufficiency services for the homeless.

House Committe on Housing

Rereferred House Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1988

Senate Staff:Steve Boruchowitz (786-7429)

AS OF FEBRUARY 18, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In December 1987, the Washington State Coalition for the Homeless released information on the extent and characteristics of the state's homeless.  The report estimated that the homeless population is in excess of 50,000 persons, it has increased, and an increasing amount of homelessness is a result of a recent job loss or other economic tragedy.

There are no state wide plans to address the increasing amount of homelessness that is a result of a recent job loss or other economic tragedy.  Interest is high to coordinate federal, state and local provision of services to all segments of the homeless population.

SUMMARY:

A Governor's Task Force on the Homeless (task force) is hereby created.  The task force will consist of twenty members, or their designees, as follows:  a) two members from the Senate, one from each caucus appointed by the President of the Senate, and two from the House of Representatives, one from each caucus appointed by the Speaker of the House; b) seven members from state agencies consisting of the director of Community Development, the secretary of Social and Health Services, the director of Employment Security, the Director of Veterans Affairs, the Director of General Administration, the executive director of the State Board for Community Colleges, the director of Financial Management, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, or their designees; c) eight representatives, appointed by the Governor from programs that provide employment services, shelter, transitional housing and support services for the homeless.

The task force, working with the Department of Community Development, is directed to conduct a review of federal, state, and local employment and housing services for homeless individuals.  The department shall:  a) submit a written report by December 1, 1988, with findings and recommendations, to the Governor and appropriate legislative committees; b) advise the Governor and legislature on critical issues relating to the homeless; c) estimate the number of homeless in the state; d) recommend actions to address housing problems; e) review characteristics and reasons for homelessness; f) recommend proposals to encourage self-sufficiency and employment; g) recommendations for an ongoing reporting system; and h) recommendations for prioritization of state funds and coordination with other funding sources for the homeless.

The department is directed to provide necessary administrative and clerical assistance to the task force.  The task force shall cease to exists on June 30, 1991.

Appropriation:    $50,000 from the general fund

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.