READ FIRST TIME 04/20/09.   

     AN ACT Relating to the aerospace workforce futures act; adding a new section to Title 43 RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 28B RCW; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The aerospace industry is critically important to the economic vitality of Washington. Present throughout the state, the aerospace industry accounts for over thirty-six billion dollars in economic value to Washington. With forty-four aerospace jobs per one thousand workers in Washington, the state is the highest per capita aerospace employer. A highly skilled and highly educated workforce is a key ingredient to the continued vitality and growth of the technology-driven aerospace industry throughout the state.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) The Washington institute of aerospace technology and advanced manufacturing is created to improve the state's aerospace training, education, research, and development programs by coordinating, providing, and developing curriculum for a statewide consortium of schools and programs that provide aerospace workforce education and training.
     (2) The institute shall be operated and administered as a multidimensional education, training, and certification center specifically designed to:
     (a) Integrate cutting edge research and development into the training and education of a skilled workforce;
     (b) Foster the creation and retention of family wage jobs in the aerospace industry; and
     (c) Facilitate growth and innovation in the aerospace industry throughout the state.
     (3) The institute shall emphasize public-private partnerships and provide a forum for effective interaction, collaboration, and partnership between and among the state's aerospace industry, labor, institutions of higher education, workforce training and education coordinating board, innovation partnership zones, and other public and private entities.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   (1) The institute shall be headquartered in Snohomish county and initially administered by the board of trustees of Edmonds Community College.
     (2) By January 1, 2010, the institute, jointly with the agency or entity designated by the governor, shall submit a preliminary report to the governor and the legislature. The report shall identify:
     (a) The current existence and statewide distribution of education at the two and four-year colleges and universities, research, and job skills programs that relate to the needs of the aerospace industry and its workers;
     (b) Existing programs that should be consolidated or expanded;
     (c) New, innovative, and cutting edge programs that should be commenced;
     (d) Interested industry, labor, and education partners;
     (e) Funding for operation of the institute; and
     (f) A recommended governance structure.
     (3) The institute and the agency or entity designated by the governor shall jointly submit a final report by September 1, 2010, which includes recommended legislation and budget requests that will enable the institute to initiate its work in the 2011-2013 biennium.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   A new section is added to Title 43 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The Washington aerospace futures account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. The governor may authorize expenditures from the account. Expenditures from the account may be made only for purposes of statewide aerospace workforce and industry development, including programs and activities related to workforce training and education, research and development, and aerospace industry retention and expansion. Administrative expenses, including staff support, may be paid from the account. Revenues to the account consist of moneys received from grants and donations, funds administered under the governor's discretion that are deposited into the account, and moneys received pursuant to legislative appropriations.
     (2) For fiscal years 2009 through 2011, such programs and activities shall be supported by federal workforce investment act funds or other discretionary funds administered by the governor. These funds may be invested independently to support such programs and activities or may be used as match to leverage additional investments.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 6   Sections 1 through 3 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 28B RCW.