H-1164              _______________________________________________

                                                    HOUSE BILL NO. 567

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              49th Legislature                              1985 Regular Session

By Representatives Thomas, Braddock, Schoon, B. Williams, Betrozoff, Brooks, S. Wilson, Walker, Schmidt, van Dyke, Vander Stoep, G. Nelson, May, Van Luven, Doty, Tanner, Brough, Gallagher, J. Williams, Baugher, Kremen, K. Wilson, Sutherland, Zellinsky, Patrick, McMullen, Niemi, Hargrove, Isaacson, L. Smith, C. Smith, Miller, Dobbs, Silver, Sanders and Long

Read first time 2/6/85 and referred to Committee on Trade & Economic Development.

AN ACT Relating to international trade; and adding new sections to chapter 43.31 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature finds that:

          (1) The state of Washington has the potential to become a major international trade gateway between Asia and the balance of the United States;

          (2) Competition from other states and provinces, for the projected increase in Asian trade, is substantial; and

          (3) If Washington is to fulfill its potential and compete successfully with these other states and provinces, it must articulate a consistent, long-term trade policy.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.     The legislature declares that the long-term trade policy of the state of Washington will have the largest impact on the volume of trade moving through our state by providing leadership and vision, and by concentrating on traditional state functions, such as transportation, infrastructure, education, taxation, regulation and public expenditures.  It is the responsibility of the state to ensure that these traditional functions contribute to the international focus Washington must develop.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.     In order to implement this long-term trade policy, to ensure traditional functions contribute to an international focus, the department of commerce and economic development:

          (1) Should support federal government efforts to work directly with foreign governments in reducing real and artificial trade barriers;

          (2) Should coordinate its efforts with agencies in other states to affect regional and national policy.  Washington has a common destiny with other free trade states.  The governor, department heads, and legislative leaders should coordinate efforts with their counterparts in these other states;

          (3) Should develop international trade goals, policies, and strategies with the full support and counsel of the private sector;

          (4) Should monitor Washington's competitive status regarding taxation, transportation, education, and other public policies related to international trade;

          (5) Should adopt policies which increase the efficiency and competitiveness of the state's transportation system, so products arrive to the end consumer quicker, and at a lower, predictable cost;

          (6) Should recognize the critical need for constant, detailed, federal-state coordination in planning and implementing business outreach information programs; and

          (7) Should recognize the appropriate role of the state, and only provide business assistance which is not duplicative, and which is responding to a tangible private sector demand not already being met by the private sector.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.     Sections 1 through 3 of this act shall be added to chapter 43.31 RCW.