SENATE BILL REPORT

SCR 8431

BYSenators Madsen, Johnson, Smitherman and Thorsness

Creating a military spending task force.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1990

Senate Staff:Traci Anderson (786-7452)

AS OF JANUARY 31, 1990

BACKGROUND:

National leaders have recently proposed making significant reductions in defense spending over the next ten years.  In Washington, Department of Defense spending provides for over 200,000 jobs.  Many of these jobs could be placed in jeopardy if the proposed reductions are actually implemented.

SUMMARY:

A legislative task force on United States military expenditures and their impact on Washington's economy is established.  The task force will consist of ten members, including: two senators, representing the majority and minority caucuses, appointed by the President of the Senate; two representatives, representing the majority and minority caucuses, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; the director of the Office of Financial Management or the director's designee; the director of the Employment Security Department or the director's designee; the director of the Department of Trade and Economic Development or the director's designee; the Adjutant General of the Washington National Guard or the Adjutant General's designee; one representative of the labor unions in the state of Washington, appointed jointly by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and one representative of employers in the state of Washington, appointed jointly by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The task force will study and evaluate the following:  the potential reductions in defense spending in the state; the possible impact of these reductions on the state economy; and the measures that could be developed to mitigate the effects of such reductions.  The task force will submit its final report and recommendations to the 1992 Legislature.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Appointments by Legislature Required: Two senators, representing the majority and minority caucuses, appointed by the President of the Senate; two representatives, representing the majority and minority caucuses, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; one representative of the labor unions in the state of Washington, appointed jointly by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and one representative of employers in the state of Washington, appointed jointly by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.