443 ADOPTED 4/8/05

6090-S.E AMH .... DEAN 028

ESSB 6090 - H AMD TO APP COMM AMD (H-3010.5/05)

By Representative Miloscia

   On page 46, line 7, increase the general fund-state appropriation for fiscal year 2006 by $65,000

   On page 46, line 8, increase the general fund-state appropriation for fiscal year 2007 by $65,000

   On page 46, line 9, increase the general fund-federal appropriation by $130,000

   Correct the total

On page 50, beginning on line 31, insert the following:

   "(j) $65,000 of the general fund--state appropriation for fiscal year 2006, $65,000 of the general fund--state appropriation for fiscal year 2007, and $130,000 of the general fund--federal appropriation are provided solely for supplemental compensation increases for direct care workers employed by home care agencies in recognition of higher labor market cost pressures experienced by agencies subject to collective bargaining obligations. In order for a specific home care agency to eligible for such increases, home care agencies shall submit the following to the department:

   (i) Proof of a legally binding, written commitment to increase the compensation of agency home care workers; and

   (ii) Proof of the existence of a method of enforcement of the commitment, such as arbitration, that is available to the employees or their representative, and proof that such a method is expeditious, uses a neutral decision maker, and is economical for the employees."

   On page 51, line 27, increase the general fund-state appropriation for fiscal year 2006 by $435,000

   On page 51, line 28, increase the general fund-state appropriation for fiscal year 2007 by $435,000

   On page 51, line 29, increase the general fund-federal appropriation by $870,000

   Correct the total.

On page 54, beginning on line 36, insert the following:

   "(14) $435,000 of the general fund--state appropriation for fiscal year 2006, $435,000 of the general fund--state appropriation for fiscal year 2007, and $870,000 of the general fund--federal appropriation are provided solely for supplemental compensation increases for direct care workers employed by home care agencies in recognition of higher labor market cost pressures experienced by agencies subject to collective bargaining obligations. In order for a specific home care agency to eligible for such increases, home care agencies shall submit the following to the department:

   (i) Proof of a legally binding, written commitment to increase the compensation of agency home care workers; and

   (ii) Proof of the existence of a method of enforcement of the commitment, such as arbitration, that is available to the employees or their representative, and proof that such a method is expeditious, uses a neutral decision maker, and is economical for the employees."

EFFECT: Appropriates an additional $2 million (total funds) to the Department of Social and Health Services Developmental Disabilities and Aging and Adult Services Programs for additional supplemental compensation increases for direct care workers employed by home care agencies in recognition of higher labor market cost pressures experienced by agencies subject to collective bargaining obligations. To be eligible for such increases, home care agencies shall submit proof of a legally binding, written commitment to increase the compensation of agency home care workers and proof of the existence of a method of enforcement of the commitment that is available to the employees or their representative, and proof that such a method is expeditious, uses a neutral decision maker, and is economical for the employees.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Increases General Fund-State by $1,000,000.

Increases Other Funds by $1,000,000.