Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 7, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Washington WorkFirst earns $10 million award from federal government

OLYMPIA—Washington state's WorkFirst program earned a $10.6 million performance bonus award from the federal government by showing top-ranked improvements in placing welfare recipients into jobs and helping them succeed once employed.

Washington ranked first among competing states in the category of improving job placement. Washington tied with New York for second place in the category of improving job success, which is measured by people remaining employed and increasing their earnings.

"Our focus on moving welfare recipients into the work force and assisting them to move up the wage ladder has really paid off," said Gov. Gary Locke. "Not only has it brought these additional resources into our state to invest in our welfare reform effort, but those who really benefit are parents who are going to work, supporting their families and have new hope for a better life."

President Bill Clinton announced in his Saturday radio address that 27 states would share $200 million in bonus awards, authorized by the 1996 federal welfare reform legislation. Forty-six states competed for the awards.

The top ten states in each of four categories received bonuses. Only 11 states, including Washington, earned bonus awards in two categories.

In the other two categories, Washington ranked 11th for overall 1998 performance in job entries and 12th for performance in job success. Washington earned its bonus award for showing the most improved performance in job entries and job success between fiscal years 1997 and 1998.

Washington's $10.6 million bonus award must be used toward the state's welfare reform effort, and will be invested in assisting current and former welfare recipients and other low-wage workers become self-sufficient.

WorkFirst is jointly administered by four state agencies: the Department of Social and Health Services, the Employment Security Department, the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

For more information about WorkFirst, visit the program's website at www.wa.gov/workfirst.

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