| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Higher Education Committee | |
SCR 8404
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.
Brief Description: Approving the 2006 update to the state comprehensive plan for workforce training.
Sponsors: Senators Shin, Delvin and Kilmer; by request of Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/19/07
Staff: Jennifer Thornton (786-7111).
Background:
The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (WTECB) was created in 1991 to
provide planning, coordination, evaluation, monitoring, and policy analysis for the state training
system as a whole, and to advise the Governor and Legislature concerning the training system.
The WTECB updates the State Comprehensive Plan for Workforce Training and Education
(Comprehensive Plan) every two years. The Legislature is required, following public hearings, to
approve or make changes to the updates. The provisions of the Comprehensive Plan and its
updates that are approved by the Legislature become the state's workforce policy unless
legislation is enacted to alter the policies.
The Comprehensive Plan includes the following 10 strategic opportunities for the next two years:
(1) increase high school graduation rates;
(2) expand the availability of career pathways that span secondary and post-secondary
education and training;
(3) increase post-secondary education and training capacity;
(4) increase financial aid and retention support for workforce education students;
(5) increase adult basic education skills and English language instruction that is integrated with occupational skills training;
(6) improve coordination between workforce and economic development in key economic clusters;
(7) expand and sustain skill panels;
(8) expand customized training for current workers;
(9) expand the availability of a work readiness credential; and
(10) develop state and local agreements on service integration to improve services to
customers.
Summary of Bill:
The House of Representatives and Senate approve the 2006 update to the state Comprehensive
Plan, High Skills, High Wages, that is submitted by the WTECB.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.