Following on a long-term economic development strategy of investing in workforce, infrastructure and entrepreneurship, the Senate today passed several bills aimed at helping small businesses and training the workers Washington needs to compete in the 21st Century economy.

The bills passed so far Saturday dealt with a broad range of workforce training and regulatory issues, in keeping with the senate Democratic Caucus’ belief that there’s no one single answer to economic growth, but many approaches that must be taken at the same time.

The bills passed Saturday:

• Foster the creation of new businesses by unemployed workers and job opportunities for other workers through self-employment. (SB6289)
• Help military personnel and their spouses gain employment. (SB6290)
• Market economic development resources through the Associate Development Organization network. (SB6355)
• Update and streamline regulations that delay economic growth. (SB6356)
• Continue to provide training assistance to businesses that provide employment opportunities to our skilled workers. (SB6371)
• Continue to support the Office of Regulatory Assistance in their efforts to help businesses and local jurisdictions better understand environmental permitting and government regulations. (SB6359)
• Provide better access to Life Long Learning Accounts, employee-owned educational savings accounts that help pay for education and training expenses.(SB6141)