SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5660
AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 13, 1993
Brief Description: Developing the Washington state citizens' exchange program.
SPONSORS: Senators M. Rasmussen, Barr, Deccio, Loveland, Snyder, Fraser, Skratek, Sheldon, Drew, Prince, Winsley, Erwin, Bluechel, Amondson and Franklin
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Skratek, Chairman; Sheldon, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Deccio, Erwin, M. Rasmussen, and Williams.
Staff: Midori Okazaki (786‑7444)
Hearing Dates: February 23, 1993; February 25, 1993
BACKGROUND:
Citizen exchanges can be a valuable way of developing close cultural, civic, educational and economic ties between Washington and other nations around the world. The expertise of the state's citizens in such fields as agriculture, health, and resource management can be shared with other nations, and the state can benefit from the increased tourism, trade and investment that these relationships can stimulate.
SUMMARY:
The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Department of Trade and Economic Development, Department of Agriculture, economic development consultants, the consular corps, and other international trade organizations is directed to develop a Washington state citizens' exchange program. The Secretary of State reports back to the Legislature in January 1994 with a proposal for instituting the program.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: requested
TESTIMONY FOR:
Previous exchange programs of more limited scope have been well received, and a citizen's exchange program can build on these earlier efforts. A citizen's exchange program can help develop and stimulate economies in other nation's and in turn stimulate trade. Citizen exchanges can result in the development of long-term ties with other nations that can supplement the efforts of Washington's foreign trade offices.
TESTIMONY AGAINST: None
TESTIFIED: Frank Brouillet (pro); Alan Pettibone (pro); Michele Burkheimer, Secretary of State's Office