Title: An act relating to aligning economic development and workforce development.

Brief Description: Aligning the economic development commission and the workforce training and education coordinating board.

Sponsors: Senators Kilmer, Kastama, Kauffman, Shin, Berkey and Delvin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Economic Development, Trade & Management: 1/23/07, 2/02/07 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & MANAGEMENT

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair; Clements, Kauffman and Shin.

Staff: Jacob White (786-7448)

Background: In the Spring of 2006, the Governor directed the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board to review Washington's workforce development system and recommend improvements. In response, The Workforce Board issued a report "Washington Works: Strengthening the Workforce for Washington's Future." The report recommends that the Director of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED) serve on the Workforce Board and that the Executive Director of the Workforce Board serve on the Economic Development Commission.

Summary of Bill: The Executive Director of the Workforce Board is appointed as an ex officio, non-voting member of the Economic Development Commission.

The Director of CTED is appointed as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Workforce Board.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: It is a good idea to improve the communication between the Workforce Board and CTED.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Don Bennet, Workforce Training and Education Board; Steve Van Ausdle, Walla Walla Community College.