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Senate panels approve bill allowing DBEDT discretion on out‑of‑state trade offices after debate about Philippines post
Summary
Lawmakers voted to pass HB437 HD1 allowing DBEDT to operate out‑of‑state offices; testimony focused on whether a proposed Philippines office yields a measurable return on investment and the office budgeted recurring costs of roughly $175,000–$200,000 were discussed.
The Senate committees on Economic Development and Tourism and on Transportation and Culture and the Arts on March 13 voted to pass House Bill 437, House Draft 1, which addresses the operation of out‑of‑state trade offices by the state.
DBEDT staff and business groups testified in support while committee members pressed DBEDT staff for details about costs and expected return on investment for a potential new office in the Philippines. Mark Ritchie, identified in the hearing as representing DBEDT, said the department already maintains offices in Beijing and Taiwan and that the proposal would be a…
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