Brief Description: Approving the 2006 update to the state comprehensive plan for workforce training.

Sponsors: Representatives Kenney, Anderson, Wallace, Sells, Jarrett, Ormsby, Linville and Conway; by request of Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Higher Education: 3/21/07, 3/22/07 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Shin, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair; Delvin, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Schoesler and Sheldon.

Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)

Background: The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (WTECB) was created in 1991 to provide planning, coordination, evaluation, monitoring, policy analysis for the state training system as a whole, and advice to 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.

Summary of Bill: The House of Representatives and the 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.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The report is comprehensive and includes strategies to improve economic opportunities. The WTECB worked extensively with stakeholder groups in the development of the plan.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Madeline Thompson, Elena Papadakis, WTECB.