SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5704

BYSenator Benitz

Making revisions to the Washington telephone assistance program.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 31, 1989; February 21, 1989

Senate Staff:Phil Moeller (786-7455)

AS OF FEBRUARY 14, 1989

BACKGROUND:

In 1987 the Legislature enacted the lifeline telephone assistance program.  Benefits include a 50 percent discount on connection fees, a waiver of deposit requirements and a discounted flat rate for service.  This rate is set by the UTC and is presently $10 per month.

Those enrolled in the following programs are eligible for lifeline program benefits:  aid to families with dependent children, chore services, family independence program, food stamps, supplemental security income, refugee assistance and community options program entry system.  The program is funded by a monthly surcharge on all business telephone lines and on all residential lines, except those which are on the program.  The surcharge is currently 12 cents per line per month, and is set by rule by the UTC.

The term "lifeline" is a registered trademark of a company which links medical agencies with outpatients.

Present statutes require a program participant to subscribe to the lowest flat rate service.  This requires some participants to downgrade their service to a multiple party line.

SUMMARY:

References to "lifeline" are changed to "the Washington Telephone Assistance Program" (WTAP).  The service connection discount is increased to 75 percent.  The program rate applies to the lowest available flat rate for one-party service.  Participants in the food stamps program are removed from WTAP eligibility.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note: