SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5329

BYSenators Garrett, Johnson, Peterson, Wojahn, Lee, Tanner, Warnke, Williams and Kiskaddon; by request of Joint Select Committee on Disability Employment and Economic Participation

Requiring a study to determine disincentives to work contained in public benefit programs for persons of disability.

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 28, 1987; February 13, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5329 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Warnke, Chairman; Smitherman, Vice Chairman; Cantu, Sellar, Tanner, Vognild, West, Williams, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Jean Meyn (786-7472)

                  February 17, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR, FEBRUARY 13, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Joint Select Committee on Disability Employment and Economic Participation (JSCDEEP) held hearings with state agencies that administer disability programs and with members of the business community.  Disincentives to employment, that are built in to benefit and service programs for disability, were discussed and the JSCDEEP identified the issue as complex and requiring study.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Social and Health Services shall conduct a study of state policies and public benefit programs to determine disincentives to work for persons of disability.  The study shall include a plan to correct the barriers that are discovered.  The study and report will be completed by December 1, 1987.

Appropriation:    $35,000 for 1987-89 biennium from the general fund.

Fiscal Note:      available

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The University of Washington Institute for Public Policy is added to the list of organizations that will participate in the study.  The appropriation is removed.

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Garrett, Representative Cole, Les Treece-Sinclair, Governor's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped; Paul Dziedzic, Department of Services for the Blind; Paul Wysocki, Member, Joint Select Committee on Disability Employment and Economic Participation