SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5902

BYSenators Lee, Smitherman and Murray

Creating the council for the future.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 24, 1989; March 1, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5902 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Matson, Murray, Smitherman, Warnke, Williams.

Senate Staff:Steve Boruchowitz (786-7429)

                  March 1, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR, MARCH 1, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Economic Development Board was established to develop long-range economic development goals for the state.  The board will cease to exist on June 30, 1989.  In its final report, the board recommended that a Council for the Future be set up to continue to provide the Legislature and Governor with a long-range vision for economic development.

SUMMARY:

A Council for the Future is created.  All seven members serve six-year terms, and may be reappointed once.  Appointees, nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, must have served Washington State with distinction and may not concurrently serve in an official government capacity.

The council encourages public and private partnerships, conducts studies, increases public participation in economic development, and oversees implementation of the Economic Development Board's recommendations and any subsequent economic development strategies accepted by the Governor or Legislature.

An annual report to the Governor and Legislature is required.

The council may hold public meetings and may receive gifts and grants for the use and benefit of the purposes of the council.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The Director of the Department of Trade and Economic Development is added as an ex officio member.

Appropriation:    $1,000,000 for the biennium from the general fund to the council

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 15, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Mike Fitzgerald, Economic Development Board (pro)