SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6549

BYSenators Lee and Warnke; by request of Employment Security Department

Changing provisions relating to the Washington youth employment exchange.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 25, 1988; January 28, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6549 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Cantu, Conner, Deccio, McMullen, Saling, Smitherman, Warnke.

Senate Staff:Steve Boruchowitz (786-7429)

                  January 29, 1988

AS REPORTED BY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR COMMITTEE, JANUARY 28, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Student achievement levels are continuing to decline across income and ethnic groups and increased efforts are being made to provide training to young people to help them secure a career and sustain a healthy family situation.  The skill levels required for the jobs of the future are high, making training even more crucial.

The Washington Service Corps provides training to young people through community service opportunities in nonprofit and public agencies.  The Department of Employment Security has indicated a need to respond to the interest of the business community in assisting the state in providing training.

SUMMARY:

A pilot project to provide 50 internships for young people, ages 18 through 25, is established using the Washington Service Corps as a model.  Employment would be in the private sector on a part-time basis during school months, and a full-time basis during the summer.  Each intern would be provided with a training plan and a mentor.  $300,000 is appropriated from the federal interest payment tax fund for the current biennium.  The project is effective April 1, 1988.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Clarifies program is funded on a pilot project basis.

Appropriation:    $300,000 from the federal interest payment tax fund

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Effective Date:April 1, 1988

Senate Committee - Testified: Isiah Turner, Department of Employment Security; Graeme Sakrison, Department of Employment Security