Washington Revised Code Title 80. Public Utilities § 80.36.410. Washington telephone assistance program--Findings

(1) The legislature finds that universal telephone service is an important policy goal of the state.  The legislature further finds that:  (a) Recent changes in the telecommunications industry, such as federal access charges, raise concerns about the ability of low-income persons to continue to afford access to local exchange telephone service;  and (b) many low-income persons making the transition to independence from receiving supportive services through community agencies do not qualify for economic assistance from the department.

(2) Therefore, the legislature finds that:  (a) It is in the public interest to take steps to mitigate the effects of these changes on low-income persons;  and (b) advances in telecommunications technologies, such as community service voice mail provide new and economically efficient ways to secure many of the benefits of universal service to low-income persons who are not customers of local exchange telephone service.