HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6261
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Higher Education
Title: An act relating to adult youth programs.
Brief Description: Requiring the workforce training and education coordinating board to research and evaluate work and learning programs for adult youth.
Sponsors: Senators Kilmer, Rockefeller, Schoesler, Shin, Fraser and Rasmussen.
Brief History:
Higher Education: 2/20/08, 2/27/08 [DPA].
Brief Summary of Bill (As Amended by House Committee) |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Wallace, Chair; Sells, Vice Chair; Hasegawa, McIntire, Roberts and Sommers.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Anderson, Ranking Minority Member; Hankins and Schmick.
Staff: Andi Smith (786-7304).
Background:
The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (WTECB) is a tripartite
partnership of business, labor, and government with a membership of 11. The WTECB
advises the Governor and Legislature on workforce development policy, ensures that the
state's workforce preparation services and programs work together, and evaluates
performance. The WTECB also advocates for the non-baccalaureate training and education
needs of the workers who account for about 75 percent of Washington's workforce.
The WTECB is also responsible for performing functions necessary to comply with federal
directives related to workforce education. These duties include advising the Legislature and
Governor on mechanisms for integrating federal initiatives into the state's workforce
development system. As such, the WTECB ensures coordination between the state agencies
and local partners that administer a range of state and federal programs that serve youth and
adults.
According to the 2006 Workforce Development Directory, 19 percent of total funding for
workforce development came from the federal government, while 81 percent came from state
sources. There are six separate programs geared specifically at youth, 14 programs geared
toward adults, while another 19 programs are aimed at adult workers with barriers to
employment. Each of the programs can be accessed variously through WorkSource Centers,
community and technical colleges, public schools, as well as federal, state, and local
non-profit agencies around the state.
Summary of Amended Bill:
The WTECB conducts research and evaluates programs and training systems designed to
provide comprehensive work and learning programs for adult youth. The WTECB must
consult with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Employment Security
Department, and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges in conducting the
research and analysis. The WTECB is also required to submit a report, including
demographic and income information, to the appropriate committees of the Legislature by
November 15, 2010, and every two years thereafter.
Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The amended bill includes an intent section, removes specific references to 18 to 24 year olds
and makes those references more approximate, and adds a reporting requirement. The report
must be submitted to the appropriate committees of the Legislature by November 15, 2008,
and every two years thereafter and must include demographic and income data.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed. However, the bill is null and void if not funded in the budget.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The number one issue with workforce development is finding skilled workers.
The adult youth age band has very high unemployment and economic development councils
have heard about problems with the employability of this group. The WTECB is a very
appropriate entity to explore and address these issues.
The unemployment rate in Washington is usually quite good for the whole population, the
band between 18 to 24 year olds is 17 percent, one of the highest in the nation. This band
always has had a higher rate, but Washington is one of the highest in the nation. The
WTECB would like to do research to find out what is going on and what happens to them
after they age out of the band.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Kilmer, prime sponsor; and Eleni Papadakis, Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.