SENATE BILL REPORT

SCR 8431

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

Creating a joint select committee on workforce training and retraining.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

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

Majority Report:  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 16, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 15, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Recent studies undertaken by the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Academy of Sciences and the National Alliance of Business indicate a growing trend towards labor shortages in numerous sectors of the U.S. economy by the year 2000.  These studies have also outlined the need for a highly skilled and flexible workforce to ensure that U.S. companies continue to be a competitive member of the international marketplace.

A recent legislative conference highlighted similar trends in Washington's economy and the need to develop a comprehensive strategy to ensure a competitive workforce in the state.  The establishment of a joint committee is considered a key component in developing employment strategies that will ensure cooperation and input from all sectors of the economy.

SUMMARY:

The Joint Committee on Workforce Training and Retraining is established.  The committee is composed of the members of the House Economic Development and Trade Committee and the Senate Economic Development and Labor Committee along with two members from the Senate and two members from the House.  The committee is co-chaired by the chair persons of the House and Senate standing committees.  The committee is directed to review the issues facing the workforce in Washington which include; identify the need for worker training and retraining in the state; determine the areas of training that might prove to be most beneficial to the state's workforce and its employers; the manner in which training and retraining could best be undertaken cooperatively between all sectors of the economy; and recommendations in establishing policies and programs to ensure a competitive workforce.

The committee is directed to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by December 1, 1988.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Appointments by Legislature Required:     Two members from the Senate and two members from the House, one from each caucus.

Senate Committee - Testified: No one