PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Writing new rules for chapter 388-310 WAC about individual development accounts program, may amend related rules.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050, 74.08.090, 74.08A.220.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department needs to clarify:
• Who is eligible for the program (income).
• Contribution limits must be from earned income and the ratio level of matching funds.
• Thirty-six month time frame for program eligibility.
• Program may allow participants to save resources, develop financial skills and assist with reaching the goal of self-sufficiency.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: WorkFirst is regulated by DSHS, the individual development accounts (IDA) program is administered by the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED). DSHS and CTED are jointly coordinating with this rule adoption.
Process for Developing New Rule: DSHS and CTED will jointly develop the clarifying language and will send it out to interested parties for review and comment. Please let us know if you have comments or suggestions on the draft language.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jeff Willis, WorkFirst Division, DSHS -LGC, phone (360) 413-3257, fax (360) 413-3482, e-mail willijm@dshs.wa.gov; or Janet Abbett, IDA Program Manager, CTED, phone (360) 753-4978, fax (360) 586-3582, e-mail janeta@cted.wa.gov.
July 21, 2000
Marie Myerchin-Redifer, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit