S-4552.1          _______________________________________________

                         SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 8427

                  _______________________________________________

State of Washington              52nd Legislature             1992 Regular Session

By Senators Saling, Moore, Matson and Jesernig

Read first time 3/9/92.Requesting a study concerning high technology education.

     WHEREAS, Washington State needs to insure excellence in education and training for its citizens working in high-technology industries; and

     WHEREAS, The education and capability of its work force is the single most important factor in economic competitiveness; and

     WHEREAS, The state needs to provide a climate where new and emerging high-technology industries can develop; and

     WHEREAS, Washington State needs to continually expand its economic base by insuring business investment and expansion; and

     WHEREAS, There is a need to support industry with science, engineering, and technology related programs that produce graduates and enable Washington-based high-technology firms to recruit locally and provide opportunities to Washington citizens that will improve the quality of life in the state; and

     WHEREAS, There is a need to represent key institutions and agencies in the planning and development of high-technology industries, and to cooperate in decisions that promote and provide for growth in high-technology industries; and

     WHEREAS, There is a need to affect and educate the policymakers of the state to maintain and improve the educational opportunities that support high-technology investment;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the Senate of the state of Washington, the House of Representatives concurring, That a preliminary study be completed and submitted to the Legislature no later than December 15, 1992; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the study shall identify the main issues related to becoming a leader in high-technology education.  Efforts are needed by business, state and local government, and educational institutions to respond to high-technology needs.  The study will make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature on the steps needed to insure Washington State will become a leader in high-technology in the future; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Governor shall appoint a High-Technology Study Committee for the purpose of this resolution.  Representation on the Committee shall insure an adequate number of members from both Eastern and Western Washington.  Representatives shall include the chair and the ranking minority member of both 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; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Committee shall be authorized to hold meetings, solicit funds, and conduct studies as needed to meet the objectives of the resolution.  No state funds are appropriated for this purpose.