SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5277

                        AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 7, 1991

Brief Description:  Preventing termination of the small business export finance assistance center.

SPONSORS:Senators Cantu, Murray, Snyder, Hansen, Conner, Owen and Anderson.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Matson, Chairman; Bluechel, McMullen, Moore, Murray, and Skratek. 

Staff:  Patrick Woods (786‑7430)

Hearing Dates:February 7, 1991; February 11, 1991

BACKGROUND:

The Small Business Export Finance Assistance Center was established in 1983.  The center is authorized to assist small and medium-sized businesses in financing export transactions and provide information and assistance about export opportunities and financing alternatives. 

The center, a nonprofit organization, is governed by a 17-member board of directors appointed by the Governor, with a president employed by the board.  The center was scheduled for termination under the sunset process in June of 1990, with a repeal of its statute in June of 1991.  The Legislative Budget Committee under the sunset process conducted a performance audit of the center during the 1989-1990 time period and recommended reauthorization without modifications, and directed the center to pursue expanding its services by participating in the city/state agency cooperation program of the United States Export/Import Bank (EXIMBANK).  The center signed a contract with the EXIMBANK to provide such services in January of 1990.

If not reauthorized by the 1991 Legislature, the Small Business Export Finance Assistance Center will cease to exist on June 30, 1991.

SUMMARY:

The Small Business Export Finance Assistance Center is reauthorized without modifications and removed from the sunset process.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

The Small Business Export Assistance Center has been an effective organization in providing small and medium sized businesses with information and assistance about export opportunities and financing alternatives.  The center plays a key role in promoting international trade in Washington.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Pru Balatero, U.S. Small Business Administration (pro); Mary McBride, Palouse Economic Development Council (pro); Lawrence Killeen, Export Assistance (pro); Luis J. DeArias, N & N Contact Lens International (pro); Mark W. Peters, Brazier F.I. (pro); Scott Taylor, Washington Public Ports Association (pro); Jeanne Cobb, DTED (pro); Pam Brown, Lewis County Economic Development Council (pro)