SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SCR 8427

                        AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 9, 1992

Brief Description:  Requesting a study concerning high technology education.

SPONSORS: Senators Saling, Moore, Matson and Jesernig

Staff:  Jean Six (786-7423)

BACKGROUND:

It is believed that the single most important factor in economic competitiveness for the state of Washington is the education and capability of the workforce.  Workforce training and retraining have been the focus of a number of initiatives in the past few years.  Key to the expansion of the state's economic base is planning and development of high-technology industries.

SUMMARY:

The Governor shall appoint a High-Technology Study Committee to complete and submit to the Legislature no later than December 15, 1992, a preliminary study which identifies the main issues and steps required to insure becoming a leader in high-technology education. 

Representation on the committee shall ensure an adequate number of members from both Eastern and Western Washington.  Representatives shall include the chair and ranking minority members of the House of Representatives and Senate Commerce Committees and the House of Representatives and Senate Higher Education Committees, one member from the Department of Trade and Economic Development, one member from the Higher Education Coordinating Board, three chief executive officers of high-technology corporations, and three other members chosen among the citizens at large representing business, labor, government, or educational institutions.

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

Representatives shall include two members from each caucus in the House of Representatives and the Senate, one member from the Department of Trade and Economic Development, one member from the Higher Education Coordinating Board, three executive officers of high-technology corporations, and three other members chosen among the citizens at large representing business, labor, government, or educational institutions.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested