CEO Report on Advocacy, Policy and Business Issues
January 6, 2022
Vol. 11
Legislative Session 2022
As the 2022 legislative session begins, we're providing a variety of resources and information in today's Chamber Advocate. Read on to learn more about how to stay up to date and how to get involved.
Check out our GAC and Legislative Breakfast archives for the inside scoop
You may also watch the archive recording of our Legislative Breakfast from December, which featured a panel of elected officials who provided insight on the upcoming session. We also had a glimpse into Pierce County priorities at the event, thanks to Councilmember Hans Zeiger, who served on our panel. Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier was also on hand with insights:
Weigh in on the Chamber's 2022 legislative priorities
Want to weigh in on the Chamber's legislative priorities for 2022? We'll soon gather to review our Legislative Priorities from 2021 and make any necessary modifications for the upcoming session. We don't anticipate too many changes, but here are a few items on our radar:
Long-term care payroll tax
Business recovery
Workforce issues
Vaccine mandates
Emergency powers of the executive branch
That's not an exhaustive list by any means, but please reach out to us with any issues that affect your industry. We'll continue to work with our South Sound Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalitionas we follow the session.
If you'd like to weigh in on our legislative priorities, please email our CEO, Tara Doyle-Enneking, at exec@puyallupsumnerchamber.com.
Stay in the know
Thank you to Sen. Chris Gildon for providing the following links to help you stay in the know regarding the upcoming session:
View bills that have been pre-filed for the session:
Join us for our upcoming Government Affairs meetings:
Typically held the first Tuesday each month*, virtually via Zoom since March 2020, these meetings are a great way to stay informed and hear relevant updates.
*Note that our March meeting will be held on the second Tuesday of the month.
From the desk of our CEO
The Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce is now in our 130th Year!
If you follow us on social media you may have seen our 2021 recap slide show we posted on New Year's Eve, but if not, check it out!
As 2022 begins, we anticipate another busy season of advocating on behalf of the business community, all while keeping you in the know. We encourage you to use the resources provided in this issue of Chamber Advocate.
Stay tuned for more information as we hope to schedule a Legislative Day (in some form, pending pandemic restrictions at the state capitol).
This year I have committed to conduct 100 Interviews in 100 Days! By conducting these "Chamber Chats" with members, business owners and other stakeholders, I hope to find out how we can help solve some of your challenges and also discover new opportunities.
I'll conduct a dozen interviews on the fourth Monday each month; if you'd like to participate, please email me to schedule your interview!
Congratulations to our newly sworn in elected and re-elected officials!
Sumner Mayor
Kathy Hayden
Sumner City Council
Earle Stuard, Position No. 1
Pat Cole, Position No. 2
Barbara Bitetto, Position No. 3
Puyallup City Council
Jim Kastama Dist. No. 1 Pos. No. 2
Dennis King, Dist. No. 2 Pos. No. 2
Julie Door, Dist. No. 3 Pos. No. 2
Employee Retention Credit overview: Important eligibility changes for 2021 tax year
We invited an expert in the employee retention credit (ERC) to our January Government Affairs meeting. Krista Caulkins with Think LLP discussed changes in the ERC since it was passed in 2020. If you think your business is not eligible for the ERC, think again--many people assume they are not eligible but there have been several changes to the legislation since its passing in 2020 (part of the CARES Act).
Watch the video below to learn more about eligibility of ERC for up to $26,000 per employee:
The Chamber Advocate keeps our members & business community informed of developments regarding policies and issues pertinent to the business community. Here you'll find political and government affairs news, as well as calls to action for Chamber members to garner support for specific issues.
Please share your newsworthy stories with us as they relate to government affairs and economic development as we may feature them in this newsletter.
Our Chamber exists to be the catalyst for business growth, the convener for leaders and influencers, and the champion of business and stronger communities.
