SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5004

BYSenate Committee on Economic Development and Labor (originally sponsored by Senators West, Lee, Anderson, Conner, Warnke, Johnson, Sutherland and Bauer)

Studying colocation efforts in Tokyo, Japan, of the departments of agriculture and trade and economic development.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 10, 1989; January 18, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5004 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; McMullen, Murray, Saling, Smitherman, West, Williams.

Senate Staff:Steve Boruchowitz (786-7429)

                  March 30, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 2, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Washington State has the stated policy of expanding international trade.  Pacific Rim trade is and will continue to be a major component of the state's trade picture.  The benefits as well as costs are increasing.  Efforts to consolidate programs and to expand the state's presence in the Pacific Rim have been suggested.

SUMMARY:

The Departments of Agriculture and Trade and Economic Development are directed to study ways of reducing the costs of operating their Tokyo offices.  Suggested ideas include cooperation or colocation with other agencies, ports, cities, other states and buying foreign currency forward.  A report, including specific suggestions for legislative and administrative action, is to be presented to the 1990 legislative session.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Don Lorentz and Patricia Akiyama, Department of Trade and Economic Development; Art Scheunemann, Department of Agriculture