OLYMPIA–State Rep. Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney was recently appointed to the Washington Economic Development Finance Authority (WEDFA). While this is a new responsibility for Gutiérrez Kenney, the issues she will be looking at are hardly new to her, since her ample background in economic development makes her a perfect fit for WEDFA.
“I am eager to participate on the Washington Economic Development Finance Authority committee and to look for ways to help small and medium size businesses to improve and expand,” said the Seattle Democrat.
The agency, which was established in 1989 and has operated independent of state financial support since 1996, issues bonds to help small and medium-sized businesses meet capital needs. These low cost, tax exempt bonds cost taxpayers nothing and have supported over 8,000 jobs since the program started. This session, with the passage of Senate Bill 5367, the bonding capacity was increased 50 percent—to $1.5 billion—to help even more businesses in the future.
Gutiérrez Kenney was also reappointed to the Legislative Committee on Economic Development and International Relations (LCEDIR). This joint committee, established in 1985, studies and reviews economic development issues with an emphasis on international trade, tourism, investment and industrial development. It also assists the Legislature in developing comprehensive economic development policy.
“I look forward to continue working on this committee and seek ways to help our economy grow, especially in the area of international trade, including the Washington State Export Initiative,” said Gutiérrez Kenney, who has been a member of the LCEDIR since 2004.
The committee last met in July to discuss high speed rail and its future in Washington State, to see the agenda, including links to speaker presentations and TVW coverage, please go here.
The LCEDIR’s next meeting will be on September 20 in Wenatchee to address promoting economic development through innovative models for marketing Washington’s fresh and value-added agricultural products.