SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   ESB 6022

                      AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 11, 1992

Brief Description:  Repealing sunset provisions of WSU's international marketing center.

SPONSORS: Senators Saling, Bauer, Oke, Thorsness, Nelson, West, Barr and Jesernig; by request of Legislative Budget Committee

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended. 

      Signed by Senators Matson, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, McCaslin, McDonald, McMullen, Moore, Murray, and Skratek.

Staff:  Forrest Bathurst (786‑7429)

Hearing Dates: January 27, 1992; February 5, 1992

BACKGROUND:

The Legislature created the IMPACT program in 1985 to improve the competitiveness of the state's agricultural sector in world markets.  Enabling legislation directs IMPACT provide practical solutions to marketing related problems, develop and disseminate information applicable to international marketing, and to assist in the development of new and improved agricultural products for introduction to international markets.  In addition, IMPACT supports cross-disciplinary learning opportunities for students and coordinates its activities with the private sector and other academic departments. 

The Legislative Budget Committee staff completed a sunset review for the IMPACT program on October 16, 1991.  The report contains four recommendations:  1) IMPACT should publish a fee schedule for its services as mandated; 2) legislation should be initiated to reestablish the IMPACT program at Washington State University; 3) the Legislature should consider adding an inflation adjustment to IMPACT's funding; 4) the Legislature should fully fund IMPACT at the original amount plus an adjustment for the second half of the 1991-1993 biennium.

A recent federal report completed by the Special Cooperative Research Service (CSRS) states there is a continuing need for IMPACT because of its problem-solving focus and ability to coordinate efforts across various disciplines. 

SUMMARY:

The IMPACT program is reestablished at Washington State University with a new sunset date of June 30, 1996. 

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:  requested January 21, 1992

TESTIMONY FOR:

IMPACT is cost effective and provides needed services to the agricultural sector.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Larry Ganders, Dr. Desmond O'Rourke, WSU; Mark Triplett, WA Horticultural Assn, WA AgriBusiness Council; Ray Shindler, WA Wheat Assn., WA Cranberry Assn., WA Asparagus Assn.; Dan Coyle, Dairy Federation; Tom Casey, Grange Assn.; Mike Schwisow, WA Dept. of Agriculture