Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Higher Education Committee

SSCR 8404

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: Providing for the 2008-2018 state comprehensive plan for workforce training.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development (originally sponsored by Senators Kilmer, Jarrett, Hewitt, Delvin, Jacobsen, Shin and Pflug; by request of Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Approves the comprehensive plan for workforce training, "High Skills, High Wages," submitted by the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.

Hearing Date: 3/20/09

Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195)

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 workforce training system as a whole, and to advise the Governor and the Legislature concerning the training system. It is a tripartite partnership of business, labor, and government.

The WTECB updates its comprehensive plan every two years. The Legislature approves or makes changes to the initial plan and the updates by way of a concurrent resolution. Once approved, the plan becomes the state's workforce training policy unless legislation is enacted to alter the policies set forth in the plan. Every year, by December 1, the WTECB reports to the appropriate legislative policy committees on progress in implementing the comprehensive plan.

"High Skills, High Wages 2008-2018: Washington's Strategic Plan for Workforce Development" has a 10-year horizon and includes the following eight strategic opportunities on which to focus during that time:

  1. increase high school graduation rates and ensure youth are prepared for further education and/or work;

  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 through Industry Skill Panels and Centers for Excellence;

  7. expand customized training for current workers; and

  8. identify and remove barriers to improving and expanding employment, education, and training services.

Summary of Bill:

The 2008-2018 state comprehensive plan for workforce training, "High Skills, High Wages," is approved.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.