SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5316

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 of February 3, 2009

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: Senators Jarrett, Kilmer, Delvin, Kastama, Jacobsen, Shin and Pflug; by request of Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 2/03/09.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Staff: Wendy Malkin (786-7434)

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 is charged with developing and maintaining a state comprehensive plan for workforce training and education. Under current law, an updated plan is submitted to the Legislature and Governor every two years. State law does not require a specific time horizon for the plan. The plan submitted by the Workforce Board for 2008 is entitled High Skills, High Wages, and it is a ten-year plan for Washington's workforce development system.

Summary of Bill: The Workforce Board must develop state comprehensive plans for a ten-year time period. The Workforce Board must submit an update of the ten-year plan to the Legislature and Governor every four years. The first update is due on December 1, 2012.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a simple bill that aligns the planning periods of the Workforce Board and the Higher Education Coordinating Board. The two-year time period for updates is too short because it does not allow for plans that will work on systemic change.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Jarrett, prime sponsor; Eleni Papadakis, Workforce Board.