HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2057

BYRepresentatives Sayan, O'Brien, Rayburn, Moyer, Zellinsky, Winsley, Basich, Wood, Phillips and P. King 

Providing for senior volunteer services.

House Committe on Human Services

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Bristow, Chair; Scott, Vice Chair; Moyer, Ranking Republican Member; Tate, Assistant Ranking Republican Member; Anderson, Brekke, Hargrove, Leonard, Padden, Raiter and Winsley.

House Staff:Jean Wessman (786-7132)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES MARCH 1, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Recent research completed on population trends in the United States, as well as Washington State, has shown that the elderly population is experiencing the greatest rate of growth of all age ranges. While much of our attention has been drawn to the elderly's need for services, including nursing home care, there are other important facts about this population growth that should be considered. One of these facts is that this population has a great deal to offer other members of our society and historically has been a source of volunteer service providers.

There are counties in Washington that are termed "distressed" counties because of their economic situation. Frequently these same counties are also the ones in greatest need of services and at the same time lacking many of those needed services.

SUMMARY:

Two hundred eighty thousand dollars is appropriated to the Department of Community Development for making grants to retired senior volunteer programs. The grants shall range from $10,000 to $50,000. Fifteen percent is allowed for administration. No displacement of a current employee is allowed. Grants may be made to programs that 1) develop new roles for senior volunteers; 2) increase the expertise of those recruiting, motivating and employing senior volunteers; and 3) increase the number of volunteers.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

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

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Representative Sayan, Sponsor.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Volunteerism is an integral part of the social service delivery system. Particularly in distressed counties, which both need additional social services and at the same time lack many of those services, senior volunteers are an important and valuable asset to the community. In order to maximize their usage, the retired senior volunteer programs (RSVP) need "seed" funds.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.