SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6672

BYSenators Lee, Conner, Warnke, Smitherman, McMullen, Deccio and Zimmerman

Requiring the development of comprehensive international trade strategies.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 28, 1988; February 3, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6672 be substituted therefor, and the substitute do pass.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Cantu, Conner, Deccio, McMullen, Saling, Smitherman, Warnke, West, Williams.

Senate Staff:Patrick Woods (786-7430)

                  February 10, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR, FEBRUARY 3, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Recent studies, including those undertaken by the Legislature and the Department of Trade and Economic Development, indicate a need to develop a comprehensive trade strategy which will utilize the state's existing resources more effectively.

A report by existing state funded trade programs outlining the state's trade strategy is considered necessary for the Legislature to determine the need and level of future trade policies and programs.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Trade and Economic Development, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and in consultation with other state-funded international trade programs, is directed to develop a comprehensive strategy to coordinate the various sectors of the international trade and investment community, develop recommendations on the desired level of state funding in state, private and non-profit trade programs, outline the level of coordination needed among trade assistance programs, and the most effective manner of developing a comprehensive trade assistance network. The departments are required to report to the appropriate House and Senate standing committees with recommendations by December 1, 1988.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The requirement that the departments develop recommendations on the desired level of state funding for trade programs is removed.  In addition, the departments are to establish comprehensive performance indicators to quantify the impact of trade programs, review international programs in other states as possible models for Washington, and determine the impact that international trade has on imports and the creation or loss of jobs.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: John Anderson, Dept. of Trade and Economic Development (pro)