News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 7, 2003
Contact:  Michael Marchand, Governor’s Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Signs Community Voice Mail Legislation

Gov. Gary Locke today signed into law legislation that will help low-income residents, including the homeless, obtain critical phone services like voice mail.

Joining the governor at the signing was the bill’s prime sponsor Rep. Zack Hudgins, D-Tukwila, as well as a number of community action and social service coalition leaders.

“This program provides vital communications services, helping low-income residents get back on their feet,” Locke said. “I am proud to make this program a permanent part of our social service offerings.”

Substitute House Bill 1624 will make the Washington Telephone Assistance Program a permanent program. The program will provide telephone assistance to low-income residents in the form of a reduced monthly charge for basic telephone service, discounts on connection fees, and waivers of deposits for local service. The bill also provides temporary voice mail to help clients in finding work and housing.

“The community voice mail program has been a blessing for those who use it,” said Tony Lee, director of the Fremont Public Association. “This service gives people a huge advantage when they are applying for a job or trying to rent an apartment.”

The community voice mail program has been very successful in assisting low-income residents find employment and housing. Sixty-six percent of those using community voice mail were able to find work within four months, and 62 percent were able to find housing in the same time period.

The Washington Telephone Assistance Program was started in 1987.


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