WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Kagi appointed to welfare reform and children’s oversight committees

OLYMPIA – During the 2011 Legislative Session, state Rep. Ruth Kagi (D – Lake Forest Park) helped lead efforts to redesign our state’s welfare and WorkFirst programs by increasing efficiencies and focusing on getting assistance to those who need it most.

Now, she will continue to play a key role in the oversight of reform efforts as a member of the state’s WorkFirst Oversight Task Force.  House Speaker Frank Chopp recently announced her appointment to this new committee.

The WorkFirst Oversight Task Force was created by this year’s passage of Senate Bill 5921.  Kagi sponsored the House version of the bill, and as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee helped amend the Senate version that became the vehicle for the proposed reforms.  She also sponsored an amendment to the bill on the House floor that ensured creation of the Task Force, which she felt was crucial to successfully implementing reform efforts.

“It’s not only the reality of the current state budget situation that has prompted the need for changes to our welfare system,” Kagi said. “As we go forward and the economy improves, we need to ensure our programs are bringing about the desired outcome for the people we serve, which is to help them become self-sufficient so that they no longer require state assistance.”

Kagi was also re-appointed by Speaker Chopp to the Legislative Children’s Oversight Committee, which she will chair.  The Committee was created over a decade ago through legislation that also created the Office of the Family and Children’s Ombudsman within the state Department of Social and Health Services.  This committee monitors and ensures compliance with laws and policies pertaining to family and children’s services and the placement, supervision, and treatment of children in the state’s care.

“I’m honored to be able to serve on both of these important committees, and to work on behalf of the many families in our state who are struggling,” Kagi said. “Too often, family hardship has severe negative consequences for children. All of society pays a price when these children fall through the cracks.”

Rep. Kagi is chairwoman of the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee.