HB 1512

HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1512

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:
Insurance, Financial Services & Consumer Protection

Brief Description: Increasing the amount the treasurer may use for the linked deposit program.

Sponsors: Representatives Hasegawa, Haler, Pettigrew, Skinner, Santos, Hankins, Kenney, Walsh, McCoy, Kirby, Schual-Berke, Chase, Williams, Roberts, P. Sullivan, Hudgins, Ericks, Darneille, Kagi and Ormsby.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Kirby, Chair; Kelley, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Strow, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hurst, Rodne, Santos and Simpson.

Background:

The Linked Deposit Program (Program) was created in 1993. The stated purpose of the program is to increase access to business capital for the state's certified minority-owned and women-owned businesses. Under the program, certified businesses can obtain reduced interest rate loans from participating financial institutions.

The State Treasurer is authorized to use up to $100 million of short-term state treasury surplus funds for the Program. These funds are deposited with public depositories as certificate of deposits (CDs) on the condition that the public depositary make "qualifying loans" under the Program. The state forgoes up to 2 percent in interest on the CDs and passes along the savings to the public depository with the condition that the depository reduces the interest rate for the loan recipients. The State Treasurer must reduce the amount of the preference to ensure that the effective interest rate on the certificate of deposit is not less than 2 percent. If the preference given to a qualified public depository is less than 200 basis points, the qualified public depository may reduce the interest rate on the loans by an amount that corresponds to the reduction in the preference below 200 basis points.

Qualifying loans are loans:

Three state agencies are involved in the program. The State Treasurer is authorized to fund the program. The Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) certifies the eligibility of the businesses, monitors the performance of loans, and compiles information on borrowers in the program. The Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development provides technical assistance, loan packaging services and, in consultation with the OMBWE, must develop performance indicators for the Program.

Summary of Bill:

The State Treasurer is authorized to use up to $200 million of short-term state treasury surplus funds for the Linked Deposit Program.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) There is a desperate need for capital for women and minority-owned businesses. A recent study indicated that these businesses get only a fraction of a proportional share of transportation contracts. Washington has a higher percentage of women and minority-owned startups, but the revenues and growth trends of these businesses are considerably less than the state average. The demographic changes that the state is experiencing means that we will have increasing numbers of minority-owned businesses. If these businesses do not succeed, the negative impacts will be felt throughout our economy.

There is a great need for businesses in these communities. Revenues have been decreasing for minority-owned business in recent years. The existing wait time is a problem. We hope the program can be expanded. The program is not free. There are rigorous qualifications that must be met before a loan is made. There have been only two defaults in the program's history. That is a testament to the success of the program. These loans are small but crucial aids to these businesses. Small businesses face many challenges today. This program has provided direct aid to small businesses. There are also many indirect benefits that result from successful minority-owned businesses in our communities. It is a great and successful program. The funds created in last year's bill were disbursed quickly. The program has made loans to all types of businesses, including construction firms, architects, property management firms, health care providers, and management service providers. My firm received loans from this program. I was on the wait list for quite some time. The loans resulted in a savings of less than $1,000 a month but they meant quite a bit to my firm. We hired 10 full-time employees and we provide good wages and health care. There is a multiplier effect in the community. The end result is also increased state and local taxes. The program creates hope in the small business community. Those small businesses are the backbone of our economy.

The proposed substitute bill is preferable to the House Bill. The Linked Deposit Program should be expanded again. In 2005, the Legislature raised the level of funds from $50 million to $100 million. This added capacity was used immediately. The current wait time is still two years. The Treasurer's office needs an additional employee to administer the program. When the program was created, no additional staff was provided. The bill would quadruple the initial program and appropriate staffing is needed.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Hasegawa, prime sponsor; Mike Murphy, State Treasurer; Ruben Del Valle, Filipino Chamber of Commerce; Lincoln Ferris, Washington Association of Small Business Incubators; Dan Seydel and Skip Rowland, Tabor 100; and Craig Dawson, Retail Lockbox and Tabor 100.