SENATE BILL REPORT
E2SHB 2318
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. |
As of April 24, 2009
Title: An act relating to the aerospace workforce futures act.
Brief Description: Creating the Washington institute of aerospace technology and manufacturing studies.
Sponsors: House Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Representatives Sells, Ericks, Kenney, Liias, Simpson, Hope, McCoy, Conway and Roberts).
Brief History: Passed House: 4/21/09, 86-9.
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 4/24/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Staff: Tim Yowell (786-7435)
Background: The aerospace industry is the state's largest manufacturing employer. According to the 1997 Washington State Input Output Study, aerospace manufacturing has a multiplier effect of two and one-half. For every aerospace job created, another one and one-half jobs are created elsewhere in the economy.
Aerospace companies are present in many Washington counties, with most concentrated in King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties.
Summary of Bill: The Washington Institute of Aerospace Technology and Advanced Technology is created. The Institute is headquartered in Snohomish County, and initially administered by Edmonds Community College. It is to facilitate growth and innovation in the aerospace industry throughout the state by:
integrating cutting edge research into the training of a skilled workforce; and
promoting collaboration and coordination of aerospace workforce training among industry, labor, institutions of higher education, and other entities.
The institute submits a preliminary report to the Governor and Legislature by January 2010. The report inventories current education and training programs that relate to the needs of the aerospace industry; suggests programs that should be eliminated, consolidated, or commenced; identifies interested industry, labor, and educational partners; and recommends a governance structure. The institute submits a final report by September 2010, with recommended legislation and a 2011-13 budget request.
Through fiscal year 2011, institute activities are supported by federal Workforce Investment Act funds or discretionary funds administered by the Governor. A non-appropriated Aerospace Futures Account is created to consist of grants and donations, Governor discretionary funds, and legislative appropriations.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on April 22, 2009.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Legislature needs to make a strong statement regarding the competitiveness of its aerospace industry. This bill makes a clear and cogent statement that we are going to compete strongly with other states by assuring we have a highly skilled aerospace industry workforce. Edmonds Community College has strong aerospace industry workforce preparation programs, and can provide a model for the rest of the state about how to coordinate with business, labor, and economic development organizations. The plan is for the institute to deliver training statewide through a variety of different means: onsite at facilities that would be developed in Snohomish County and eventually in Spokane; via web-based learning; and customized at particular industry sites.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Sells, prime sponsor; Mike Groesch, Aerospace Futures Alliance; Trent House, Boeing Company.