SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5253

BYSenate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Wojahn, Lee, Sellar, Peterson, Gaspard, Halsan, Conner, Deccio, Kreidler, Tanner, Hansen, Stratton, Kiskaddon and Bauer)

Changing provisions relating to displaced homemakers.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5253 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Wojahn, Chairman; Stratton, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Deccio, Johnson, Kiskaddon, Kreidler, Tanner.

Senate Staff:Carol Pedigo (786-7417)

                  February 11, 1987

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 25, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5253 as recommended by Committee on Human Services & Corrections be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDermott, Chairman; Gaspard, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Bluechel, Deccio, Fleming, Hayner, Kreidler, Lee, Moore, Rasmussen, Rinehart, Saling, Talmadge, Vognild, Williams, Wojahn, Zimmerman.

Senate Staff:Fred Romero (786-7715)

                  April 17, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 10, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In 1978 a needs assessment for Washington State indicated that as many as 69,000 women had been "displaced" from their previous roles as unpaid homemakers.  It was determined that these women, through divorce, death of spouse, disability of spouse or loss of family income were often left without steady income and with little formal education or training.  They did not qualify for programs established for wage earners such as unemployment compensation and Social Security.

The Displaced Homemaker Act was passed in 1979 to help these women regain their economic security.  The program, currently administered through the Higher Education Coordinating Board, provides funds for two multipurpose centers (Seattle and Spokane) where women are given counseling and limited education to help them qualify for employment.  There are also three rural programs (Yakima, Centralia and the Skagit Valley). These programs serve as counseling and referral centers for women looking for help in locating jobs or training.  Most of the actual counseling and education is provided through community colleges under contract with the Displaced Homemaker Program.  Between 1983-85 approximately 1,200 displaced homemakers completed the intensive program, and 17,500 persons received assistance in less formal ways.

In 1982, legislation added an outreach phase to the program which included introductory workshops and a hotline telephone.

The funding for this program is provided by $5 from current marriage license fees.  The biennial budget for displaced homemakers for 1985-87 was $568,000.

The Act expires June 30, 1987.

SUMMARY:

The Displaced Homemaker Act is reauthorized.  The surcharge on marriage licenses which currently finances the Displaced Homemaker Act is increased to $10, and it is directed that these monies must be deposited into the general fund to be expended for the purposes of the Displaced Homemaker Program.  The Displaced Homemaker Program Advisory Committee, which is currently provided for in administrative rule, is placed in statute.  The committee is made up of 22 members from all geographical areas of the state and is to assist and advise the administrator of the program.

Revenue:    Surcharge on marriage license fees is increased from $5 to $10.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS: Ms. Charlie Arnold, Displaced Homemaker Program; Carol Spray, Olympia YMCA; Pat Thibaudeau, Washington Women United

Senate Committee - Testified: WAYS & MEANS:  No one

HOUSE AMENDMENTS:

An emergency clause requires the bill to go into effect July 1, 1987.

The language relating to the surcharge on marriage licenses is rewritten to make it clear that the Legislature intends the money to be earmarked for the program, but does not intend to create a dedicated fund within the general fund.