| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Community & Economic Development & Trade Committee | |
HB 1715
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Assisting manufacturers.
Sponsors: Representatives Chase, Miloscia, B. Sullivan, Skinner, Grant, Hunt, McDermott, Morrell, Eickmeyer, Kessler, Haler, Kristiansen, Conway, Sells, Kenney and Simpson.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/8/07
Staff: Tracey Taylor (786-7196).
Background:
Manufacturing is a major employer in Washington, employing 300,000 residents and accounting
for 13 percent of all employment in the state. The manufacturing sector contributes $26.6 billion
to the gross state product. However, manufacturing in Washington is on the decline, losing more
than 44,600 jobs between June 2000 and June 2003. With increased competition from overseas
manufacturers as well as from manufacturers located in other states, Washington's manufacturers
are facing economic challenges.
Washington Manufacturing Services (WMS) is a not-for-profit organization with the mission of
"fostering economic prosperity in the state of Washington by helping Washington's smaller
manufacturers take action to increase their competitiveness (in a socially acceptable and
environmentally responsible manner)." Affiliated with the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Manufacturing Extension Program, the WMS can link manufacturers with local
experts and national resources. Although the WMS is headquartered in Mukilteo, Washington, it
maintains field offices throughout the state.
After a free pre-project visit by a WMS project manager, the WMS will develop with the
manufacturer a plan of action. The WMS offers a variety of services, including lean
manufacturing, industrial marketing and quality, safety, energy conservation, e-Business,
software selection, workforce training, and product development. The WMS charges fees for
these services.
Summary of Bill:
WMS is directed to create programs which provide modernization services to manufacturing
firms with 50 or fewer employees. In addition, WMS must create programs to assist small
manufacturers to become certified in internationally accepted quality assurance programs. WMS
shall develop partnerships for the delivery of services which will assist manufacturers in
reducing costs, and increase their environmental compliance. WMS shall also create a program
that educates students about careers in manufacturing and provide teachers with valuable
educational resources. This program may also provide analytical tools with which young people
may choose careers or the program could provide other resources that will assist students find
great, high paying careers.
Appropriation: The sum of $500,000 for Fiscal Year 2008 and $500,000 for Fiscal Year 2009.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 29, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.