Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Community & Economic Development & Trade Committee

HB 2308

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: Relating to aerospace competitiveness.

Sponsors: Representatives Morris, Smith and Warnick.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Relates to aerospace competitiveness.

Hearing Date: 4/13/09

Staff: Meg Van Schoorl (786-7105)

Background:

Aerospace is Washington's largest manufacturing industry. Its primary focus is aircraft and parts manufacturing. According to The Washington Aerospace Industry, a 2006 report by Conway Pederson Economics, Inc., in 2005 the state's aerospace industry directly employed over 65,000 people and paid $5.4 billion in total wages and salaries, for an average annual per capita wage of $83,370. Aerospace companies were present in 17 out of the 39 counties, although most predominately in King and Snohomish counties. According to the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development's March 2009 Quarterly Trade Bulletin, aerospace goods exports of $33 billion were the single largest component of Washington’s export portfolio in 2008. This was a 19 percent drop from a peak of $41.8 billion in 2007. For 2008 China and Japan were the number one and two markets for aerospace goods from Washington state.

Summary of Bill:

This act may be known and cited as the aerospace competitiveness act.

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.