Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Technology & Economic Development Committee |
HB 1910
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: Requiring a study of economic impacts of contributions of institutions of higher education in various economic sectors.
Sponsors: Representatives Tarleton and Pollet.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/8/17
Staff: Kirsten Lee (786-7133).
Background:
Joint Legislative Task Force on the Economic Resilience of Maritime and Manufacturing in Washington.
The Joint Legislative Task Force on the Economic Resilience of Maritime and Manufacturing in Washington was established to develop recommendations to achieve several objectives related to sustaining the maritime and manufacturing industry sectors that support Washington's trade-based economy.
Included in the Task Force's long-term action plan is the goal to establish an Economic Resilience Strategy to develop policies and regulations in cooperation with state and local jurisdictions in order to protect those essential public facilities deemed to have strategic significance to Washington's economic resilience.
Public Higher Educations Institutions.
Washington has a total of 40 four- and two-year public higher education institutions. Included in these institutions are the University of Washington, Washington State University, Western Washington University, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Evergreen State College, and 34 community and technical colleges. The Student Achievement Council's nine members include representatives from four- and two-year public higher education institutions, citizens with a background in higher education, an independent private nonprofit higher education institution, and a K-12 representative. The Student Achievement Council is responsible for proposing goals and priorities to address Washingtonians' needs in reaching higher levels of educational attainment and in the workforce. The State Board of Community and Technical Colleges is also a 9-member board, including at least one member representing business and at least one member representing labor industries. The State Board of Technical and Community Colleges coordinates Washington's community colleges and technical colleges and is responsible for furthering the goals of the Community and Technical College Act.
Summary of Bill:
The Department of Commerce must contract for a study on the economic impact of the contributions of four- and two-year public higher education institutions in Washington. The study must be completed by an entity who has demonstrated an ability to complete economic impact studies on public institutions of higher education. The contracted entity must consult a diverse representation in local government and community leadership while completing the study. The study must assess state and local impacts of public higher education institutions by evaluating:
income and jobs created;
public facilities;
critical infrastructure;
student financial aid;
community revitalization;
local and state tax revenues;
consumer spending; and
research and development.
The study must identify local community efforts to collaborate with public institutions of higher education.
The final study and recommendations are due to the Governor and appropriate legislative committees by October 1, 2018.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 2, 2017.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.