SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SCR 8405

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

        Labor & Workforce Development, February 4, 1999

Brief Description:  Adopting the work force training and education coordinating board comprehensive plan update.

Sponsors:  Senators Fairley, Bauer, Franklin and Kohl‑Welles.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor & Workforce Development:  1/26/99, 2/4/99 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Hochstatter, Kline, Oke and Wojahn.

Staff:  Jill Reinmuth (786-7452)

Background:  The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board is required to develop a comprehensive plan for workforce training, update it every two years, and submit it to the Legislature for approval.

Summary of Bill:  The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board is commended and thanked for producing the updated comprehensive plan "High Skills, High Wages."

Long-term goals set forth in the updated comprehensive plan are adopted as follows:

(1)K‑12 education will prepare students for education and work;

(2)the gap between demand for and supply of postsecondary technical training will be closed;

(3)the training system will be a coherent and integrated system of customer services; and

(4)training programs will be accountable.

Two‑year objectives and recommendations for achieving long‑term goals are forwarded to appropriate policy committees for their consideration.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  The Work Force Training and Education Coordinating Board commends the recommendations and strategies in its updated comprehensive plan to the Legislature.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Ellen O'Brien-Saunders, Work Force Training and Education Coordinating Board (pro).