HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSCR 8404

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 House - Amended:

April 9, 2009

Brief Description: Providing for the 2008-2018 state comprehensive plan for workforce training.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development (originally sponsored by Senators Kilmer, Jarrett, Hewitt, Delvin, Jacobsen, Shin and Pflug; by request of Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Higher Education: 3/20/09 [DPA].

Floor Activity

Passed House - Amended: 4/9/09, 98-0.

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

(As Amended by House)

  • Approves the comprehensive plan for workforce training, "High Skills, High Wages," submitted by the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.

  • Includes a recommendation that the next update to the plan include an emphasis upon jobs that build the green economy and a focus on making the state a global leader in technology and manufacturing for the renewable energy industry.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Wallace, Chair; Anderson, Ranking Minority Member; Schmick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Driscoll, Grant-Herriot, Haler and White.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Sells, Vice Chair; Carlyle.

Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195)

Background:

The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (WTECB) was created in 1991 to provide planning, coordination, evaluation, monitoring, and policy analysis for the state workforce training system as a whole, and to advise the Governor and the Legislature concerning the training system. It is a tripartite partnership of business, labor, and government.

The WTECB updates its comprehensive plan every two years. The Legislature approves or makes changes to the initial plan and the updates by way of a concurrent resolution. Once 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 WTECB reports to the appropriate legislative policy committees on progress in implementing the comprehensive plan.

"High Skills, High Wages 2008-2018: Washington's Strategic Plan for Workforce Development" has a 10-year horizon and includes the following eight strategic opportunities on which to focus during that time:

  1. Increase high school graduation rates and ensure youth are prepared for further education and/or work.

  2. Expand the availability of career pathways that span secondary and postsecondary education and training.

  3. Increase postsecondary education and training capacity.

  4. Increase financial aid and retention support for workforce education students.

  5. Increase adult basic education skills and English language instruction that is integrated with occupational skills training.

  6. Improve coordination between workforce and economic development in key economic clusters through Industry Skill Panels and Centers for Excellence.

  7. Expand customized training for current workers.

  8. Identify and remove barriers to improving and expanding employment, education, and training services.

Summary of Amended Bill:

The 2008-2018 state comprehensive plan for workforce training, "High Skills, High Wages," is approved. A recommendation is added that the next update to this plan include an emphasis upon jobs that build the green economy and a strong focus on making Washington a global leader in technology and manufacturing for the renewable energy industry.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Plans are very important starting points, but a better job needs to be done executing such plans. This resolution provides an opportunity for the Legislature to get a comprehensive view of the plan. This very comprehensive plan pertains to adults, youth, and industry. Several agencies and entities play a role in this plan. Execution of the plan will make sure that the state's workforce can meet economic demands.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Senator Jarrett, and Madeleine Thompson, Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.