S-4131.1  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 6747

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      56th Legislature     2000 Regular Session

By Senators Kohl‑Welles, Jacobsen, Sheahan, Shin, B. Sheldon, McAuliffe, Horn, Finkbeiner, Winsley, Costa and Rasmussen

Read first time 01/26/2000.  Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

Establishing a working relationship between the high technology industry and the higher education community.

    AN ACT Relating to establishing a working relationship between the high technology industry and the higher education community; creating a new section; and providing an expiration date.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  (1) The high technology industry is a major contributor to the economic prosperity of Washington state.  The legislature finds that industry must play a key role in assisting and supporting state government and institutions of higher education as Washington strives to enhance its current competitive advantage.  As the home to many high technology companies, Washington must create increased opportunities for its citizens to obtain the higher education required by this industry to sustain its competitive advantage.  Establishing a strong working relationship between the high technology industry and the higher education community is essential to providing opportunities for employment in high technology-related fields for Washington citizens.

    (2) Beginning in April 2000, the higher education coordinating board, the state board for community and technical colleges, and a representative of the technology industry shall convene a work group in consultation with the council of presidents and its member institutions, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, the Washington federation of career schools and colleges, the Washington association of independent colleges and universities, representatives from the high technology industry, and other higher education providers.

    (3) The work group shall (a) review industry recommendations specific to higher education, (b) establish priorities including but not limited to an inventory of higher education high technology programs and offerings, (c) develop strategies to address high technology employment demand, and (d) develop an implementation plan for action by the institutions of higher education and industry to enhance opportunities for employment in high technology fields.

    (4) The conveners shall report to the fiscal and higher education committees of the legislature by December 1, 2000, on progress made by the work group.

    (5) This section expires December 31, 2001.

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