Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 00:21:07 -0800 (PST)
From: bb074@scn.org (SCN User)
To: local-computer-activists@scn.org
Subject: PRIVACY ALERT: 6418 goes to Governor
Reply-To: bb074@scn.org
Sender: owner-local-computer-activists@scn.org

We lost in the Senate.  Has Governor Locke heard from you?
Governor's Office -- (360) 902-4111 
Legislative Hotline -- (800) 562-6000


3/11/98
Copyright 1998 Tacoma News Inc.

[...]
            LEGISLATURE 1998: Bill would put
            state in line with wider use of Social
            Security numbers 

Federal welfare money tied to such legislation, but
critics see it as threat to privacy, liberties 

Peter Callaghan; The News Tribune 

OLYMPIA - A coalition of liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans -
termed "odd fellows" by one - failed to stop a bill Tuesday that would
broaden the use of Social Security numbers on state license applications. 

Senate Bill 6418 was sent to Gov. Gary Locke despite warnings that it
sells out basic American freedoms. The legislation would have the state
follow orders from the federal government to collect Social Security
numbers on applications for drivers licenses, sports licenses and
professional licenses or risk losing more than $500 million in federal
welfare money. 

The purpose of the requirement is to help track parents who owe but don't
pay child support.

"Take the Jell-O out of your backbones and vote no," said Sen. Mike Heavey
(D-West Seattle).

"If someday the feds say, 'Unless you put 666 on your forehead we'll deny
you money,' would you do it?" asked Sen. Jim Hargrove (D-Hoquiam). 

"You're asking me to give up my children's rights so that someone else's
children can eat," said Sen. Dan Swecker (R-Rochester). "I will never trade
bread for freedom."

But supporters of the bill said making such a stand isn't worth losing
hundreds of millions of dollars needed to implement welfare reform and
boost child-support enforcement efforts.

"It's a fight for another day," said Sen. Alex Deccio (R-Yakima). "Why
should we hold this bill hostage when $600 million is at risk for welfare
reform?" 

Added Tacoma Democratic Sen. Lorraine Wojahn: "Shame on you if you don't
support children."

The bill would have the state request a waiver from the Social Security
requirement. But such a waiver is a longshot, according to federal officials.

The bill passed 30-19. One senator noted the strange political mix.

"I think the Republican Legislature needs to stand up to the Republican
Congress," said Sen. Pam Roach (R-Auburn). "I'd now urge the Democratic
governor to veto some sections of the bill."

[...]
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