SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6538

BYSenators Lee, Smitherman, Anderson and Rasmussen;by request of Employment Security Department

Establishing a computerized labor market information system.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 18, 1988; January 25, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6538 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Cantu, Conner, Saling, West, Williams.

Senate Staff:Stephen Boruchowitz (786-7429)

                  January 26, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR, JANUARY 25, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Employment Security currently maintains information on the labor market in a form usable to researchers as well as those within the department itself.  However, employers, particularly small and medium-sized ones, who might find this information useful in determining their hiring practices, cannot easily access this information.

SUMMARY:

Legislative findings recognize that the economic competitiveness of Washington State depends on the quality of employer human resources planning and evaluation decisions, that the state has a vital interest in providing employers with easy access to labor market and training information.

The Department of Employment Security is directed to develop a computerized labor market information system, and to make such a system available to employers.  This system includes information on workers skills and availability, prevailing wage information, training program availability, and labor surpluses and shortages.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Elements of the information system include worker skills and availability, prevailing wage information, training programs and availability, and labor surpluses and shortages.

Appropriation:    $75,522 from the federal interest tax fund is appropriated for the purpose of covering start-up costs for this information system.

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Graeme Sakrison, ES; Cliff Finch, AWB