HOUSE BILL REPORT

SJM 8010

BYSenators West, Smitherman, Warnke, Anderson, Lee, Saling, Matson and Smith

Requesting Idaho and Oregon to enter into the joint trade compact.

House Committe on Trade & Economic Development

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Cantwell, Chair; Doty, Ranking Republican Member; G. Fisher, Moyer, Rasmussen, Raiter, Rector, Schoon, Tate, Walk and Youngsman.

House Staff:Bill Lynch (786-7092)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 13, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The three Pacific Northwest states of Washington, Idaho, and Oregon represent a large consumer and producer population with many common areas of interest regarding international trade.  Those three (and several other states) are served by the Northwest Area Foundation and several bilateral agreements to cooperate exist for a wide range of issues.

Representatives of the three states have had several discussions on ways to further cooperate on mutually beneficial projects.

The Legislature has before it Senate Bill 5631 which ratifies Washington's participation in a Pacific Northwest Interstate Compact on International Trade.

SUMMARY:

The governors and legislatures of Idaho and Oregon are petitioned to join Washington in ratifying a Pacific Northwest Interstate Compact on International Trade.  Further, petition is made for all three states to form committees and meet to discuss implementation of the compact.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Senators Alan Bluechel and Jim West, Washington Senate.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    There are a number of areas in which Idaho, Oregon, and Washington can cooperate in international trade.  Joint marketing of wheat, for example, will result in cost efficiencies for the state.  Much of the increase in international trade will also be shipped through Washington ports.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.