Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Community & Economic Development & Trade Committee |
SSB 5879
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: Concerning entrepreneurial education and training.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation (originally sponsored by Senators Kastama, Shin and Delvin).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 3/25/09
Staff: Chris Cordes (786-7103)
Background:
The Washington State Economic Development Commission (Commission) is established in statute as an advisory body to the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development. Among its various duties, the Commission must:
develop and maintain on a biennial basis a state comprehensive plan for economic development; and
establish and maintain an inventory of programs of the state economic development system and related state programs.
In addition, the Commission may, subject to available funding, perform other functions including:
periodically reviewing the policies and plans established for business and technical assistance, export assistance, and infrastructure development;
providing for coordination among the different agencies, organizations, and components of the state economic development system at the state and regional levels; and
advocating for the state economic development system and for meeting the needs of industry associations, industry clusters, businesses, and employees.
The Commission must produce a biennial report to the Governor and the Legislature on its progress in coordinating the state's economic development system and meeting its other obligations and duties. The report may include any recommendations for statutory changes necessary to enhance operational efficiencies or improve coordination.
The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (WTB) provides planning, coordination, evaluation, monitoring, and policy analysis for the state workforce training system as a whole and advises the Governor and the Legislature concerning the training system. It is a tripartite partnership of business, labor, and government. The WTB prepares a comprehensive plan that is updated every two years.
Summary of Bill:
The Commission is directed to review entrepreneurial and innovation programs, in conjunction with the WTB. The Commission must:
Inventory programs -- maintain an inventory of available entrepreneurial and innovation education, training, and technical assistance services and programs;
Evaluate program effectiveness -- evaluate the effectiveness of these programs and whether they represent a consistent, integrated approach to meeting the needs of start-up and existing entrepreneurs;
Identify efficiency policies -- identify policies to reduce barriers to efficient delivery and coordination of entrepreneurial assistance; and
Distribute awards -- distribute awards for excellence in entrepreneurial and innovation training and assistance.
The Commission must report to the Governor, the WTB, and the Legislature its recommendations for statutory changes necessary to enhance operational efficiencies or coordination related to entrepreneurial and innovation education, training, and assistance.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.