HOUSE BILL REPORT

HCR 4408

BYRepresentatives Cantwell, Moyer, Wineberry, P. King, Nelson, Rasmussen and Walk

Recommending adoption of the Washington State Economic Development Board reports by the legislature.

House Committe on Trade & Economic Development

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (10)

      Signed by Representatives Cantwell, Chair; Wineberry, Vice Chair; Doty, Ranking Republican Member, G. Fisher, Kremen, Moyer, Rasmussen, Raiter, Rector and Walk.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (3)

      Signed by Representatives Schoon, Tate and Youngsman.

House Staff:Charlie Gavigan (786-7340)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 10, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Washington State Economic Development Board was established by the Legislature in 1985.  The purpose of the board was to create a long-term economic development strategy for the state.

The board published five reports. They are:  (1) Washington's Challenges and Opportunities in the Global Economy; (2) The Washington State Economy: An Assessment of Its Strengths and Weaknesses;  (3) Washington's Distressed Areas: Recommendations for Economic Recovery; (4) Citizens Choose the Future; and (5) Washington Works Worldwide.

The board conducted public hearings throughout the state.  In its fifth and final report, the board summarized its findings and made recommendations for a long-term economic development strategy.

The boards recommendations include: (1) developing a highly educated, multiskilled, and flexible workforce; (2) building local capacity; (3) protecting the northwest environment; (4) investing in innovation; (5) reforming the tax structure for competitiveness; (6) reshaping the regulatory environment; (7) commercializing research and development; (8) linking Washington State with the world; (9) maintaining and improving basic infrastructure; and (10) creating an independent council to oversee strategy.

SUMMARY:

The recommendations of the Washington State Economic Development Board are adopted by the Legislature by concurrent resolution.

The governor is asked to provide leadership in the implementation of the board's recommendations by requiring state agencies to consider the recommendations in their planning and other activities. The governor is also asked to conduct an annual economic summit that focuses on the ongoing activities necessary to implement the board's recommendations.  Leaders of the executive and legislative branches and private sector businesses are the suggested focus of the economic summit.

The state Legislature, particularly leadership and the committee chairs, are encouraged to assist and evaluate the executive branch in implementing the recommendations.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Paul Knox, Economic Development Board.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Ongoing activities are necessary to implement the recommendations of the Economic Development Board.  Leadership will be key, and an economic summit can help facilitate, identify, and evaluate the activities necessary to implement the board recommendations. The involvement of the Legislature, the executive branch, and business leaders will make the implementation efforts more effective.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.