Legislature(1995 - 1996)
1996-01-08 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf1996-01-08 Senate Journal Page 2064 SB 206 SENATE BILL NO. 206 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: 1996-01-08 Senate Journal Page 2065 SB 206 An Act relating to welfare reform by establishing the Alaska Family Independence Program; repealing the aid to families with dependent children and job opportunity and basic skills programs; relating to an exemption to Alaska Wage and Hour Act for certain work activities of the Alaska Family Independence Program; relating to the duty to support children of minor parents; relating to certain licenses and applications for a license for persons who are not in substantial compliance with orders, judgments, or payment schedules for child support; relating to an exemption to the state procurement code for certain services for the general relief program and Alaska Family Independence Program; relating to eligibility for day care benefits administered by the Department of Community and Regional Affairs; authorizing the Department of Health and Social Services to operate a public assistance program consistent with the Alaska Family Independence Program under federal waivers and providing certain immunity from liability for activities of that program; amending Alaska Rule of Civil Procedure 90.3; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs, Health, Education and Social Services, Judiciary and Finance Committees. Fiscal notes published today from Department of Health and Social Services (5), Department of Commerce and Economic Development (3), Department of Revenue, Department of Labor (2), Department of Education, Department of Public Safety. Zero fiscal notes published today from Department of Law, Department of Health and Social Services, Department of Administration, Department of Fish and Game, Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Department of Labor, Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Public Safety. Governors transmittal letter dated January 8: Dear President Pearce: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill designed to reform our welfare system, move more Alaskans into jobs, and save the state millions of dollars over the next five years. 1996-01-08 Senate Journal Page 2066 SB 206 The bill establishes the Alaska Family Independence Program while repealing the former Aid to Families with Dependent Children and Job Opportunity and Basic Skills programs. This plan stresses job training and child-care funding, but also sets a five-year limit on public assistance benefits and orders most welfare recipients into work or training programs within two years. Last years welfare reform measure that I vetoed was tough on children. Its provisions would have barred a child whose parents use the program from ever receiving help again in his or her lifetime. This bill orders tough work requirements while protecting Alaskas children. Last year, I submitted a welfare reform bill that directed the Department of Health and Social Services to seek approval from the federal government to operate waiver programs as demonstration projects. This bill builds on my previous proposal and the proposal unanimously adopted by the House. It also incorporates the publics observations as expressed in extensive public hearings conducted over the summer. All of the changes I propose will continue to focus on reshaping our public assistance programs to help families achieve economic independence. This bill contains four major elements: 1) establishes a new family independence program that is designed to move families from dependency to self-sufficiency by providing temporary assistance and job-related services; 2) establishes a grandparent support obligation when a minor has a child; 3) restricts professional, occupational and drivers licenses if a parent is not providing support in accordance with an established support order; and 4) authorizes the department to initiate the new program under waivers if federal welfare reform is not accomplished. Even though the federal welfare reform bill has not yet been enacted, this measure fits well within the parameters of likely federal reform scenarios. If federal law changes are enacted during the legislative session, I will promptly inform the legislature of any necessary conforming amendments. If federal law changes are not enacted this year, the state will still be in a position to move forward with a dramatic new program designed to help families achieve economic independence. 1996-01-08 Senate Journal Page 2067 SB 206 This bill will enable the state to reshape its public assistance program to meet Alaskas unique circumstances and to provide opportunities for dependent families to move to self-sufficiency in the workplace. I urge your support of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor