We're partnering with NFIB Washington for our an easy, free, impactful day at our state's capitol for our local business owners and representatives.
Take advantage of this opportunity to meet legislators in Olympia, learn about current bills and speak out about the issues that matter most to you and your business.
In addition to our speakers and panels, we will have a sit down with Rep. Kelly Chambers, 25th Leg. District, for a chat and photo op.
Registration is free, and includes continental breakfast, coffee, lunch and roundtrip shuttle transportation from the hotel to the Capitol. Thank you to our NFIB WA sponsors: America's Phone Guys, Larson Financial Group, and Rock Point Oyster Co.
Urgent advocacy needed to preserve transportation funding
The Legislative Session is in the midpoint and transportation budgets are moving quickly. Your voice is needed to ensure full funding in the transportation budget for the completion of the Puget Sound Gateway project (167/509). Here are two ways to speak out:
1) Email your State Senators and Representatives: Use the District Finder tool, enter your address, and you will see links to your legislators.
2) Call the Legislative Hotline at 1 (800) 562-6000. A live person will answer (M-F 8:00am - 7:00pm) and ask your name and residential address, so they can direct your comments to the legislators in your district. They will note your comments.
Here's a message you can use: We urge you to make sure that the current transportation budget includes ALL commitments to funding the 509/167 Puget Sound Gateway Project, AND that these projects and commitments are fully funded so they stay on track to completion.
Ergonomics bill: Register your opposition to SB 5217
We urge you to join us in registering opposition to SB 5217, another ergonomics bill. The bill has been significantly limited from last yearβs version but is still opposed by the business community. It narrowly passed out of the Senate and now moves to the House. (For background information, check out this2022 ergonomics primer video from AWB.)
To register your opposition, go to the bill's page, click the green button that says "Comment on this bill," then complete the form and select "Oppose." If you would like to include comments, you can use the verbiage below, which explains why our coalition opposes the legislation.
Similar legislation was passed more than 20 years ago and later repealed by a vote of the people. Employers are already required by law to provide a safe working environment for all employees, and L&I already has the power to cite employers for ergonomic issues. Ultimately, the bill would add costs to employers at a time when many are already struggling with workforce and other issues.
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, especially during the Legislative session.
Stay in the know
Here's a great way to stay informed on the Legislative session--sign up for alerts from your representatives in Olympia:
As the Legislative Session has now reached its midpoint, we continue to provide testimony and register our positions on bills that are relevant to our businesses. We've signed on to multiple letters, including an Association of Washington Business letter concerning the governor's proposed delays of several important infrastructure projects across the state.
At the federal level, we've signed on to a U.S. Chamber of Commerce letter calling on Congress to enact meaningful, durable legislation to modernize America's permitting processes. Public and private sector infrastructure projects will improve our economy. Investing in highways, bridges, transit systems, and ports will move people and goods more quickly and efficiently. Read more about U.S. Chamber's position here.
Economic Forecast Luncheon: May 23, 2023
Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier will once again join us as featured speaker at our Economic Forecast Luncheon & Annual Meeting, set for Tuesday, May 23, at Pioneer Pavilion.
This annual event provides relevant information on what is happening with business, development and other growth opportunities in our region. It also serves as our Chamber's annual membership meeting. Please register now for a ticket or to buy a table, or email sheila@puyallupsumnerchamber.com to learn about sponsorships.
Let your voice be heard: How to register support or opposition for a bill
Your voice matters! Thousands of sign ins registering support or opposition to a bill can make a difference on bills in committee.
Here are a few ways you can make your voice heard:
1) Register your position via the website. Go to https://leg.wa.gov/ and use the Bill Information button to search for the bill. From the bill's page, click on the green button to the right that says "Comment on this bill," then submit the form.
2) Email your State Senators and Representatives: Use the District Finder tool, enter your address, and you will see links to your legislators.
3) Call the Legislative Hotline: Call 1-800-562-6000. A live person will answer (M-F 8:00am - 7:00pm) and ask your name and residential address, so they can direct your comments to the legislators in your district. They will note your comments.
Chamber Advocate
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.
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