HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 ESB 6572

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                       Human Services

Title:  An act relating to making a capital appropriation for the Sprague Building.

Brief Description:  Making an appropriation to purchase and renovate the Sprague Building.

Sponsors:  Senators Wojahn, Gaspard, Franklin, Winsley and Oke.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Human Services, February 23, 1994, DP.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 9 members:  Representatives Leonard, Chair; Thibaudeau, Vice Chair; Talcott, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Brown; Caver; Karahalios; Patterson; Riley and Wolfe.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  Signed by 3 members:  Representatives Cooke, Ranking Minority Member; Lisk and Padden.

Staff:  Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:  In 1988 the Citizen Volunteer Board of United Way of Pierce County adopted its second century plan, recommending, in part, that a community service center be developed so that local human services delivery could operate more efficiently.  This plan was formulated in recognition that human services needs in Pierce County are outpacing existing and projected resources.

Extensive planning and community consultation led to the recommendation that the historic Sprague Building be purchased and converted into the Betye Martin Community Service Center.  The 50,000 square foot facility will house United Way, a mix of nonprofit human service agencies, and a child care center for use by tenants and surrounding businesses.

The recommendation for purchase of the Sprague Building was based on the operating efficiencies and cost savings which a centralized human services facility would provide.  These efficiencies include: centralized and shared spaces and services; long term, below-market rental rates for underfunded agencies; one-stop services for people in need.  Money saved through operating efficiencies can be applied to improved service delivery.

Summary of Bill:  The sum of $855,000 from the state general fund is provided as a 15 percent matching grant for the purpose of purchase and renovation of the Sprague Building in Tacoma, Washington.  The building shall be owned and occupied by nonprofit human service organizations whose services provide a benefit to the citizens of Washington.  The Department of Social and Health Services shall enter into negotiations with the United Way of Pierce County to secure state office space in the Sprague Building for the delivery of human services in Pierce County.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Appropriation:  The sum of $855,000 from the state general fund to the Department of Social and Health Services.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This appropriation will facilitate the co-location of and collaboration between human service providers in Pierce County.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Senator Wojahn (pro); Rick Allen, United Way of Pierce County (pro); John Thompson, Pierce County Central Labor Council (pro); and John A. Woodworth, United Way of Pierce County (pro).