SENATE BILL REPORT
SCR 8406
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Economic Development, Trade & Innovation, February 19, 2009
Brief Description: Resolving to adopt "The Washington Innovation Economy" as the state's economic development policy.
Sponsors: Senators Kastama, Shin, Jarrett and Kilmer.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Economic Development, Trade & Innovation: 2/19/09 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & INNOVATION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Eide and Kilmer.
Staff: Jack Brummel (786-7428)
Background: The Washington State Economic Development Commission (Commission) was created to provide planning, coordination, evaluation, monitoring, and policy analysis and development for the state economic development system. The Commission is also to provide advice to the Governor and Legislature concerning the state economic development system. The Commission is required to develop and maintain on a biennial basis a state comprehensive plan for economic development and the Commission released its first such plan on February 6, 2009.
Summary of Bill: The Senate and the House accept and approve the state comprehensive plan for economic development, "The Washington Innovation Economy," and adopt it as the state's economic development policy.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Economic development will be different in the future. The Commission's comprehensive plan is a framework to make judgments about policy and priorities; it will help with short- and long-term decision making. The goal is to make the state the most innovative in the U.S. Innovation is the key to long-term, sustainable jobs. To build an innovation economy, the plan calls for an emphasis on talent, investment and entrepreneurship, and infrastructure. It focuses on the fundamentals of wealth creation and building prosperity.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Bruce Kendall, Economic Development Board of Tacoma-Pierce County, Washington Economic Development Commission Chair; Egils Milbergs, Washington Economic Development Commission.