BILL REQ. #:  H-1998.1 

Read first time 02/28/2003.   Referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.

     AN ACT Relating to the Washington manufacturing advisory partnership; adding a new section to chapter 44.04 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that manufacturing remains a vital component of the Washington economy. The manufacturing sector accounts for thirteen percent of all employment in Washington, provides sixteen percent of total wages in the state, and supports high-wage jobs. The average wage in manufacturing is routinely the highest of all major industry groups. Manufacturing also has a significant multiplier effect; every manufacturing job adds another one and one-half to three jobs to the region's economy.
     The legislature also recognizes that manufacturing has long been subject to the ups and downs of market cycles, and the pressures of an increasingly competitive global market. In addition, manufacturing in Washington has suffered the effects of national and state recessions, and soft global markets for specific products such as aircraft and electronics. In recent years, manufacturing employment has declined. The consequence of this downward trend on the Washington economy is significant by reducing personal income and local tax revenues.
     For these reasons, the legislature declares that new efforts aimed at revitalizing the manufacturing sector are essential. Therefore, a collaborative partnership of stakeholders should be convened to direct research and advise stakeholders on how best to revitalize the manufacturing sector.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 44.04 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) An advisory partnership on the Washington manufacturing sector force is established. The partnership shall consist of eight members: One member from each caucus of the house of representatives, each member being a member of the house of representatives commerce and labor committee, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; one member from each caucus of the senate, each member being a member of the senate commerce and trade committee, appointed by the president of the senate; two members representing labor, appointed jointly by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives, from a list of names recommended by a statewide organization representing a cross-section and majority of organized labor in the state; two members representing business, appointed jointly by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives, from a list of names recommended by a statewide organization of employers representing a majority of employers of the state.
     (2) The manufacturing advisory partnership shall have access to and the assistance of the labor market and economic analysis branch of the employment security department and other state agencies as necessary to perform studies, develop recommendations, and report to the legislature concerning issues related to the manufacturing sector.
     (3) The manufacturing advisory partnership shall study and make findings and recommendations related to the following aspects of Washington's manufacturing sector:
     (a) The work force education and training needs of the manufacturing sector;
     (b) The use of manufacturing skill standards to enhance work force development and human resources practices;
     (c) The activities necessary to develop regionally strategic industry clusters; and
     (d) Other issues identified by the partnership.
     (4) The manufacturing advisory partnership shall report its findings and recommendations to the commerce and labor committee of the house of representatives and the commerce and trade committee of the senate by December 1 of each year.