BP BHEAD INT S

AN ACT Relating to a Washington council for the future; adding new sections to chapter 43.31 RCW; creating a new section; and making an appropriation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that in 1988 the Washington state economic development board issued its report, "Washington Works Worldwide," which laid out a long-term economic strategy for Washington state. As a result of the lack of an independent oversight board, many of the board's recommendations were not acted upon and the goals of the strategy remain unmet. An independent board could serve to keep both private and public sectors focused on the goals of the strategy and measure progress towards those goals.

The legislature further finds that benchmarks can be useful tools for measuring the state's progress in meeting its long-term economic goals. Benchmarks that measure outcomes rather than inputs can lead to a better understanding of current economic conditions and future opportunities. Benchmarks focused on outcomes also increase accountability and make it easier to adapt and modify programs based on their effectiveness in achieving the benchmarks.

The legislature further finds that people are what drive economic development and a competent, skilled work force is a competitive advantage in today's global economy. Many factors go into the making of a productive work force and these can be measured at every stage of life.

The legislature further finds that the high quality of life to which this state's citizens have become accustomed should not be sacrificed to economic growth. Maintaining a high quality of life can enhance economic development by supporting an environment in which entrepreneurs seek to create or relocate enterprises.

(2) It is the purpose of this act to establish an independent oversight board to assist the state in measuring its progress in achieving its long-term economic development goals. It is also the purpose of this act to require the development of measurable benchmarks to ensure that the state remain on the path toward its goals of a more diversified economy which generates productive jobs and higher incomes and a high quality of life for its citizens.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 43.31 RCW to read as follows:

(1)(a) There is created a Washington council for the future composed of seven members appointed by the governor.

(b) In making appointments, the governor shall ensure that membership of the council is representative of the ethnic, cultural, social, and economic diversity of the state. At least two members must reside east of the crest of the Cascade mountains.

(c) Members of the council shall serve for six-year terms, except the first members of the council shall serve for staggered terms, with two members to serve two-year terms, two members to serve four-year terms, and three members to serve six-year terms. A member of the council may not serve for more than two terms.

(2) The responsibilities of the council include monitoring the state's economic and social well-being, reporting to the governor and the legislature on the state's progress in meeting its long-term economic development goals, and assisting agencies in adopting benchmarks as a strategic planning tool.

(3) The board shall be formed and ready to assume its duties under this chapter by August 1, 1993.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 43.31 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The Washington council for the future created in section 2 of this act shall develop benchmarks that measure the social and economic well-being of the state. The benchmarks shall:

(a) Place a priority on measuring results rather than efforts;

(b) Enable the state to be compared, as much as possible, with other states and countries; and

(2) In developing specific benchmarks, the council shall provide for public comment.

(3) The council shall work cooperatively with the appropriate agencies in collecting data necessary to measure progress in achieving benchmarks. The council shall also educate agencies on the usefulness of benchmarks in strategic planning and assist agencies in developing additional results-oriented performance measures.

(4) The council shall report to the legislature concerning the state's performance on the benchmarks not later than December 15 of every even-numbered year, beginning in 1994. The council shall identify those benchmarks where the state is failing to meet expectations of performance. The board should also highlight areas where the state has been unusually successful at reaching measurable objectives. The report may also discuss the creation of additional benchmarks.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. The sum of three hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1995, from the general fund to the department of trade and economic development for the purposes of this act.