S-0748.2 _______________________________________________
SENATE BILL 5252
_______________________________________________
State of Washington 55th Legislature 1997 Regular Session
By Senators Fairley, McAuliffe, Wojahn, Prentice, Franklin, Jacobsen, Kohl, Heavey, Brown, Snyder, Patterson, Bauer, Fraser, Hargrove, Sheldon, Thibaudeau and Winsley
Read first time 01/21/97. Referred to Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care.
AN ACT Relating to a food assistance program for legal immigrants; adding a new section to chapter 74.04 RCW; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature recognizes that the United States of America is a country of immigrants. Many families who immigrate to Washington state from another country are seeking a chance to make a better life for themselves and for their families. They come to America for economic opportunity and freedom from oppression, as did the ancestors of those of us fortunate enough to be born as American citizens. Legal immigrants contribute to our society and community, both economically and by cultural enrichment. Legal immigrants have "played by the rules," residing in the United States legally, paying taxes, serving in the armed forces, and making themselves subject to the laws of this country.
The legislature finds that some immigrant families have not yet been able to raise themselves above the level of poverty. These families may include those with elderly persons and small children. Food assistance in the form of food stamps is necessary for the preservation of life and health.
The legislature notes that the federal government has enacted legislation that results in the denial of food stamps to some legal immigrants. In the interests of humanity, and in recognition of the intrinsic worth of all persons residing in Washington state, the legislature finds that those legal immigrants losing federal food stamp entitlement should be provided with state subsidized food assistance.
Finally, the legislature finds that the intent and requirements of international law, including the international human rights norms and certain United States treaty obligations, require the nondiscriminatory treatment of immigrants, especially with regard to the protection of family life by international covenant. The requirements of international law include the equitable treatment of legal immigrants in the provision of food assistance for the poor.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 74.04 RCW to read as follows:
(1) The department may establish a food assistance program for persons whose immigrant status meets the eligibility requirements of the federal food stamp program as of August 21, 1996, but who are no longer eligible solely due to their immigrant status under the personal responsibility and work opportunity reconciliation act of 1996, P.L. 104-193.
(2) The rules for the state food assistance program shall follow exactly the rules of the federal food stamp program as they existed on the effective date of this section except for the provisions pertaining to immigrant status under P.L. 104-193.
(3) The benefit under the state food assistance program shall be the same as the benefit amount under the federal food stamp program had the person met the eligibility requirements pertaining to immigrant status of P.L. 104-193.
(4) The department may enter into a contract with the United States department of agriculture to use the existing federal food stamp program coupon system for the purposes of administering the state food assistance program.
(5) In the event the department is unable to enter into a contract with the United States department of agriculture, the department is authorized to issue vouchers to eligible households for the purchase of eligible foods at participating retailers.
--- END ---