ARIZONA STATE SENATE

RESEARCH STAFF

KATHY SEEGLITZ

ASSISTANT ANALYST

FAMILY SERVICES COMMITTEE

Telephone: (602) 542-3171

Facsimile: (602) 542-7833

TO: MEMBERS OF THE SENATE

FAMILY SERVICES COMMITTEE

DATE: March 5, 2001

SUBJECT: Strike Everything Amendment to S.B. 1054 – divorce; findings

Purpose

Repeals the Arizona Works Program as of July 1, 2001.

Background

Legislation adopted by the Legislature in 1997 (Laws 1997, Chapter 300) established the Arizona Works Program, a welfare employment pilot program operated by a private contractor. The Arizona Works Agency Procurement Board (Board) was established to review proposals and award a contract to a private entity. The Board awarded the contract to MAXIMUS, Inc. on January 11, 1999.

The Arizona Works Program pilot offices are located in eastern Maricopa County and replace the Department of Economic Security’s (DES) Empower program in those areas. MAXIMUS operates the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Arizona Works Cash Assistance Program, the TANF employment programs, Child Care for TANF families, the state funded General Assistance Program and the Food Stamp Employment and Training program. Additionally, MAXIMUS assigns eligible TANF participants into work activities.

Arizona statute requires the Board to select a rural area as a second pilot site beginning on January 1, 2001. The Board selected Mohave County as the second Arizona Works Program pilot site.

The fiscal impact of this amendment is unknown.

Provisions

1. Repeals the Arizona Works Program.

2. Contains conforming and technical changes.

3. Provides for an effective date of July 1, 2001.

BG/ac