2242 AMH KENN VANS 700

HB 2242 - H AMD 424

By Representative Kenney

ADOPTED 3/12/2009

    On page 3, after line 3, insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. A new section is added to chapter 43.330 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) By November 1, 2009, the director shall develop recommendations for the governor and the appropriate legislative committees regarding:

    (a) The mission, goals, organizational structure and responsibilities of the department, with particular emphasis on promoting innovation, statewide economic and business development, sustainability of existing businesses, international trade, and other factors that will improve the effectiveness of the state's competitiveness climate;

    (b)  Existing programs provided within and outside the department of community, trade and economic development that might best serve the state's economic development mission by being aligned within the department; and

    (c)  Alternative service delivery mechanisms, collaborations, and partnerships that might best serve the state's economic development goals.

    (2) The legislature recognizes that the department of community, trade and economic development contains a number of important existing programs that deliver essential services to communities and individuals.  The director shall recommend options for locating these vital services outside the department, including the possible need for a separate new department for critical programs such as community services, capital programs, and housing.

    (3) In developing these recommendations, the director shall collaborate with the office of the governor, the office of financial management, the chairs and ranking minority members of the community and economic development and trade committee of the house of representatives and the economic development, trade and innovation committee of the senate.    

    (4) The director and the officials listed in subsection (3) of this section shall identify, and seek expert input from, representatives of business, labor, professional associations of economic development practitioners, local governments, housing organizations, and other key economic and community development stakeholders."

    Renumber the sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly. Correct the title.

EFFECT:   By November 1, 2009, requires the Department of Commerce director to develop recommendations for the Governor and appropriate legislative committees on the department's mission, goals, organizational structure, responsibilities, program alignment, service delivery mechanisms and partnerships. Requires an emphasis on innovation, economic and business development, sustainability of existing business, international trade, and factors that improve the competitiveness climate.  Requires the director to recommend options for relocating critical existing programs that serve communities and individuals, including the possible need for a new separate agency. Requires the director, in collaboration with the Office of the Governor, the Office of Financial Management, and leaders of relevant legislative committees, to identify and seek input from a broad range of stakeholders.

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