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Bill to expand eligibility and allow cash assistance under HEN draws agency support and cautions on costs
Summary
Engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5232 would expand eligibility for the Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) program, allow direct cash assistance and raise administrative rates for providers; Commerce and advocates said changes could improve housing stability but flagged unknown additional costs.
The House Appropriations Committee heard a staff briefing and public testimony on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5232, which would expand eligibility for Washington’s Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) program, allow certain HEN and Home Security Fund supports to be delivered as direct cash assistance, and align administrative rates between HEN support entities and Home Security Fund programs.
Omera Harrington, staff to the Early Learning and Human Services Committee, summarized the striking amendment. The bill would expand core HEN eligibility to include victims of human trafficking and remove citizenship‑linked tests; it would also…
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