HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1394
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. |
As Passed Legislature
Title: An act relating to changing the timeline for the state comprehensive plan for workforce training and education.
Brief Description: Changing the timeline for the state comprehensive plan for workforce training and education.
Sponsors: Representatives White, Kenney, Wallace, Orwall, Carlyle, Anderson, Sells, Chase and Sullivan; by request of Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Higher Education: 1/27/09, 2/13/09 [DP].
Floor Activity
Passed House: 3/3/09, 97-0.
Passed Senate: 4/3/09, 45-0.
Passed Legislature.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Wallace, Chair; Sells, Vice Chair; Anderson, Ranking Minority Member; Schmick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Carlyle, Driscoll, Haler, Hasegawa and White.
Staff: Andi Smith (786-7304)
Background:
The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (Workforce Board) is a Governor-appointed body representing a partnership of 12 members from business, labor, and government. The Workforce Board advises the Governor on workforce development policy, ensures that the state’s workforce preparation services and programs work together, and evaluates performance. The Workforce Board also advocates for the non-baccalaureate training and education needs of the workers who account for about 75 percent of Washington’s workforce.
The Workforce Board's comprehensive plan is meant to serve as the roadmap for the workforce development system. The Legislature is required, following public hearings, to approve or make changes to the plan updates by way of a concurrent resolution. Once so approved, the plan becomes the state's workforce training policy unless legislation is enacted to alter the policies set forth in the plan. Every year, by December 1, the Workforce Board reports to the appropriate legislative policy committees on progress in implementing the comprehensive plan.
In 2008 the Workforce Board approved the comprehensive plan, High Skills, High Wages 2008. The plan details goals and strategies for the next 10 years, though the strategic opportunities outlined are intended as guidance for focusing the workforce agenda during the next two to four years. The timelines for the plan mirror current statutory planning and reporting requirements of the state's Strategic Master Plan for Higher Education, submitted by the Higher Education Coordinating Board and adopted by the Legislature in 2008.
Summary of Bill:
The Workforce Board will continue to plan for a 10-year period, however the plan will be updated every four years rather than every two years. The Workforce Board will continue to submit annual progress reports by December 1.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The Workforce Board is already planning on a 10-year horizon; this change would align mandatory updates of High Skills, High Wages with the Strategic Master Plan for Higher Education. The two-year time period for updates is too short because it does not allow for plans that will work on systemic change.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative White, prime sponsor; Bryan Wilson, Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board; and Jim Crabbe, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.