COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

 Rep. Phyllis Kenney, Democratic Co-Chair and

Rep. Don Carlson, Republican Co-Chair

BILL ANALYSIS

HB 1953

Brief Description: Authorizing state reimbursement for more than nineteen or twenty hours for work-study students.

Background:

The State Work Study program was established by the Legislature in 1974.  This program provides financial assistance to needy part-time and full-time students by stimulating and promoting their part-time employment.  Funding for the program is provided through state appropriation paired with an employer match.  In 1998-99, approximately 9,590 students will earn approximately $20 million (including the employer=s share).

The State Work Study program is administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB).  Under HECB rules, students can not receive State Work Study reimbursement for more than an average of 19 hours per week for undergraduate students or twenty hours per week for on-campus graduate assistants.

In 1997, Washington state established the WorkFirst program under the new federal welfare program known as the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program (TANF).   Under WorkFirst, participants are required to search for a job as the first WorkFirst activity unless temporarily deferred.  A participant may be deferred from immediate job search if the participant is working 20 or more hours a week.

Summary:

HB 1953 modifies the State Work Study statute to require that state reimbursement not be limited to an average of a maximum of nineteen hours per week for undergraduate students or twenty hours per week in the case of on-campus graduate assistants.

Prepared for the House Higher Education Committee

by Sherie Story, Research Analyst (786-7120)

Office of Program Research

February 22, 1999