Other LanguagesSEATTLE — Washington Attorney General Brown today released the following statement after the federal government agreed to temporarily pause implementation of harmful new restrictions on access to public benefit programs:
"I’m glad there is a temporary pause in enforcement of this harmful policy, which has caused confusion and chaos for Washington’s safety net programs. But relief through September 3 is not enough. All Washingtonians should be able to access critical services without fear.”
Earlier this week, Attorney General Brown and 20 other attorneys general filed a lawsuit opposing the federal government's attempt to change how eligibility for federally supported services is interpreted under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). Now, the U.S. Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, Education, and Labor have agreed not to enforce the challenged policy changes in the plaintiff states until at least September 3, 2025. The agreement also confirms that no one will face penalties or enforcement for any actions taken in line with the old PRWORA rules during this same period.
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