SENATE BILL REPORT

SCR 8410

BYSenators Smitherman, Warnke, Vognild, West, Sellar, Anderson, Lee, Cantu, Williams and Bauer

Supporting the small business conference to be held in October, 1987.

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 5, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Warnke, Chairman; Smitherman, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Sellar, Tanner, West, Williams, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Patrick Woods (786-7430)

                  March 6, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, APRIL 16, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Small businesses are an important part of the state's economy.  Recent studies have indicated that, while small businesses employ only 40 percent of the work force, they generate an excess of 60 percent of the new job opportunities.  Cooperation between government and small businesses is a vital component in promoting economic development and creating new job opportunities.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature resolves that small businesses are an important part of the state's economy and are a major source of employment opportunities for the citizens of the state.  Cooperation between small business and government is vital in creating a favorable business climate and promoting economic development in Washington state.  The Legislature supports the establishment of a small business conference in October 1987 to:  review the issues facing small businesses; foster cooperation and coordination between the private and public sector; and develop comprehensive strategy to assist small businesses in the state of Washington.  The small business conference reports to the Legislature and the Governor during January 1988 regarding its activities and recommendations.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: No one