HOUSE BILL REPORT
SHB 2312
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Passed House:
March 6, 2007
Title: An act relating to legislative oversight of WorkFirst and temporary assistance to needy families.
Brief Description: Providing legislative oversight of WorkFirst and temporary assistance to needy families.
Sponsors: By House Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Walsh, Kagi, Morrell and Kenney).
Brief History:
Early Learning & Children's Services: 2/23/07 [DPS].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/6/07, 96-0.
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & CHILDREN'S SERVICES
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Kagi, Chair; Haler, Ranking Minority Member; Walsh, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Hinkle, Pettigrew and Roberts.
Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).
Background:
WorkFirst is Washington's welfare-to-work strategy. Washington initiated the WorkFirst
program in August 1997 to help low-income families become self-sufficient by providing
training and support services necessary for parents to get a job, keep a job and move up a
career ladder.
Four state agencies jointly carry out WorkFirst: the Department of Social and Health
Services; the Employment Security Department; the State Board for Community and
Technical Colleges; and the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development.
Local employers, tribal governments, Workforce Development Councils and community
organizations are key partners in planning and providing services for WorkFirst participants.
When WorkFirst began in 1997, it was decided that the heads of the partner agencies listed
above would form the WorkFirst Subcabinet. The Subcabinet is chaired by the Director of
the Office of Financial Management and meets several times a year to coordinate and make
decisions about high-level policy and budget issues. The WorkFirst program manages
approximately $830 million annually.
Summary of Substitute Bill:
The WorkFirst Oversight Committee (Committee) is established for the purpose of
monitoring the state's effectiveness in promoting personal responsibility among recipients
and in helping them attain long-term self-sufficiency. The Committee consists of four
legislators, one from each major caucus in each chamber of the Legislature, and the members
of the WorkFirst Subcabinet. The Committee will meet quarterly and will receive written
reports on a monthly or quarterly basis related to:
(1) work participation rates;
(2) the number of persons who left WorkFirst and entered the workforce;
(3) the number of persons enrolled in post-employment support programs;
(4) the percentage increase in earnings capacity for recipients who exited WorkFirst and
entered the workforce;
(5) the number of persons in sanction status for nonparticipation;
(6) program expenditures in each major activity; and
(7) the number of recipients receiving working connections child care subsidies.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 24, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The time has come and we have decided it is a good idea to be working more
closely in collaboration with the Subcabinet. Over the years we have had to call on
legislators to fix problems with the WorkFirst program. We do need a vehicle to bring
concerns to elected officials. When WorkFirst isn't working, not only are families hurt, but
cities and counties are also stressed.
This bill brings the Legislature into a closer role in managing the WorkFirst program and at
the same time maintains the flexibility of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
(TANF) box approach to multiple agency management of the program. Bringing designated
legislators to the table with the Subcabinet will ensure attention to the WorkFirst program in
times of relative normalcy as well as times of crisis, which can only strengthen the program.
Nationally, Washington is rather unique. Most states, in fact all other states, have greater
legislative involvement in managing their TANF expenditures.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Walsh, prime sponsor; Monica Peabody, Welfare Rights Organizing Coalitions; Laurie Lippold, Children's Home Society of Washington; and Robin Zukoski, Columbia Legal Services.