Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Higher Education Committee

HCR 4415

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: Approving the 2016 state comprehensive plan for workforce training and education.

Sponsors: Representatives Sells, Haler, Reykdal, Manweller, Ormsby, Wylie, Ryu, Moscoso, Hayes, Zeiger, Condotta, Johnson, Kilduff and Santos; by request of Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Approves the most recent state comprehensive plan for workforce training submitted by the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.

Hearing Date: 2/2/16

Staff: Trudes Tango (786-7384).

Background:

The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (Workforce Board) 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.

Every four years, the Workforce Board must provide the Legislature and the Governor with an update of the state comprehensive plan.  The Legislature, after public hearings, must approve or recommend changes to the 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.

The most recently updated plan is called "Talent and Prosperity for All" and emphasizes four priorities: (1) improving customer experience in the workforce system; (2) strengthening engagement with the business community; (3) leveraging technology; and (4) refining performance accountability.

Summary of Bill:

The House of Representatives and the Senate, by way of concurrent resolution, approve the state comprehensive plan for workforce training and education.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.