FINAL BILL REPORT

                ESHJM 4015

                    As Passed Legislature

Brief Description:  Requesting the Philippines to keep its consulate open.

By House Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Veloria, Wineberry, Leonard, Johanson, Wang, Chandler, Miller, Wood, Shin, Quall, Rayburn, J. Kohl, Kessler, Dyer and Anderson).

House Committee on State Government

Senate Committee on Trade, Technology & Economic Development

Background:  In February, the Philippine government announced that it will close its Seattle consulate, along with 11 other diplomatic posts around the world, by June 30, 1993.  The Philippine government is implementing these cost-cutting measures due to an economy crippled by a $29 billion foreign debt, the closure of United States military bases, and political instability.

There are approximately 65,000 Washington State residents of Philippine descent.  This population is currently growing at a rate in excess of 1,000 persons a year.

The Philippines are a major buyer of Washington wheat and other agricultural products.  The Philippines also export many products to Washington State and have a nearly $300 million trade surplus with the state.

Summary:  The Washington State Senate and House of Representatives request that the U.S. State Department  encourage the Philippine government to allow its Seattle consulate to remain open, and to consider downsizing staff and office space to cut costs.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  97 0

Senate 41 0