SB 1259 Summary

• Creates the Economic Development and Job Creation Agency with a Secretary of Economic Development and Job Creation appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, serving at the Governor's pleasure.

• Requires the Secretary to develop a reorganization plan that consolidates nearly 100 scattered state agencies, departments, commissions, and task forces currently handling economic development and job creation duties into a single point of entry for employers.

• Directs the Agency to develop a statewide job creation strategy with performance measures, create a data clearinghouse, eliminate duplicative programs, achieve cost efficiencies, and target new industries and high-wage jobs.

• Mandates the Governor appoint the Secretary only after determining that surplus funds are available for general state government purposes.

• Establishes a cabinet-level official responsible for presenting and addressing economic development and job creation issues within the Governor's administration.