| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Higher Education Committee | |
HCR 4404
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.
Brief Description: Approving the 2006 update to the state comprehensive plan for workforce training.
Sponsors: Representatives Kenney, Anderson, Wallace, Sells, Jarrett, Ormsby, Linville and Conway; by request of Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/7/07
Staff: Jennifer Thornton (786-7111).
Background:
The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (WTECB) was created in 1991 to
provide planning, coordination, evaluation, monitoring, policy analysis for the state training
system as a whole, and advice to the Governor and Legislature concerning the training system.
The WTECB updates the state comprehensive plan for workforce training and education every
two years. The Legislature is required, following public hearings, to approve or make changes to
the updates. The provisions of the comprehensive plan and its updates that are approved by the
Legislature become the state's workforce policy unless legislation is enacted to alter the policies.
The state comprehensive plan includes the following ten strategic opportunities for the next two
years:
(1) increase high school graduation rates;
(2) expand the availability of career pathways that span secondary and postsecondary
education and training;
(3) increase postsecondary education and training capacity;
(4) increase financial aid and retention support for workforce education students;
(5) increase adult basic education skills and English language instruction that is integrated
with occupational skills training;
(6) improve coordination between workforce and economic development in key economic
clusters;
(7) expand and sustain skill panels;
(8) expand customized training for current workers;
(9) expand the availability of a work readiness credential; and
(10) develop state and local agreements on service integration to improve services to
customers.
Summary of Bill:
The House of Representatives and Senate approve the 2006 update to the state comprehensive
plan, High Skills, High Wages, that is submitted by the WTECB.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.