SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 706

BYHouse Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Representatives Sayan, Vekich, Ballard, Grimm, Locke, Meyers, Heavey, R. King, O'Brien, P. King, Baugher, Rasmussen, Unsoeld and Todd; by request of Employment Security Department)

Modifying youth employment and conservation provisions.

House Committe on Trade & Economic Development

Rereferred House Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 30, 1987

Majority Report:     Do pass.

     Signed by Senators Kreidler, Chairman; Bluechel, Hansen, Kiskaddon.

Senate Staff:Henry Yates (786-7708)

                March 30, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON PARKS & ECOLOGY, MARCH 30, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Washington Youth Employment Exchange was created by the Legislature in 1983.  It was designed to operate a community service job training program for young people in the 18-25 year old age group.  The Employment Exchange also acted to coordinate youth service activities in the Employment Security Department and to provide coordination and administrative support for the Washington Conservation Corps program, which consists of community service jobs program in six state agencies.

In 1985 the Legislature responded to concerns expressed about program operation by setting spending ceilings and directions for the program.  Program administrative costs are limited to 15 percent of total program costs or total program costs are restricted to no more than $7,000 per six-month slot.  At least 60 percent of enrollee funds are to be expended in distressed areas. 

Current administrative costs are approximately 13 percent of total program costs, with the average cost of a six-month slot at $4,200.  At present, 72 percent of enrollees live or work in distressed areas.  The program has had a total of 652 participants in the biennium to date, with 182 currently enrolled.

SUMMARY:

The Washington Youth Employment Exchange is reauthorized in the Department of Employment Security and its name is changed to the Washington Service Corps.  The Commissioner of Employment Security is permitted to establish a program of educational incentives to encourage enrollees to complete the program.  The Commissioner is authorized to enter into agreements with the state community college system and other educational institutions and non-profit agencies to provide enrollees education in basic skills.  Participation in such programs is not to be mandatory.

Social Security benefits are added to the benefits not provided to enrollees.  The Service Corps is continued as the sole recipient of federal funds for youth employment and conservation corps programs.  The Washington Service Corps program is extended to July 1, 1993.

Fiscal Note:    available

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

Senate Committee - Testified:   Susan Dunn, Employment Security