Brief Description: Approving the 2006 update to the state comprehensive plan for workforce training.

Sponsors: Senators Shin, Delvin and Kilmer; by request of Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Higher Education: 2/5/07 [DP].

Passed Senate: 3/08/07, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Shin, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair; Delvin, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Schoesler and Sheldon.

Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)

Background: The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (WTECB) was created in 1991 to provide planning, coordination, evaluation, monitoring, and policy analysis for the state training system as a whole, and advice to the Governor and Legislature concerning the training system. The WTECB must update 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.

Summary of Bill: The Senate and the House approve the 2006 update to the state comprehensive plan submitted by the WTECB.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The state plan is important because it provides valuable tools to help coordinate, integrate, evaluate, and improve our state workforce training system. The plan recognizes that the people of our state need a variety of pathways for education and training.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Shin, prime sponsor; Don Bennett, WTECB; Mike Hudson, Association of Washington Business; Carolyn Cummins, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges; Gena Wikstrom, Northwest Career Colleges.