In lieu of our February Government Affairs Council meeting, the Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce is partnering with NFIB Washington for our Chamber Legislative Day, 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.
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. Additional sponsorships are available: Email sheila@puyallupsumnerchamber.com
This week, there are two big committee hearings for bills affecting the business community:
1) We urge you to join us in registering opposition to SB 5217, another ergonomics bill, scheduled for a hearing tomorrow in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee. Please sign in by 9:30am on Tuesday, Jan. 24, to oppose this bill. Simply go to THIS LINK, and select Senate Labor & Commerce and 1/24/23 10:30 AM for the Committee and Meeting drop down menus. Then click on SB 5217 and follow the instructions to sign in to register your position.
Similar legislation was passed more than 20 years ago and later repealed by a vote of the people.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.
2) Please review and weigh on on SB 5482. This bill would replace the state’s existing Business & Occupations (B&O) tax with a Texas-style margins tax, and is scheduled for a hearing at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.See how much your business would pay under this new tax system compared to the existing B&O by using the Tax Calculator. Then submit your written comments before 9:30am on Thursday, January 26. Simply go to THIS LINK, and select Business, Financial Services & Trade and 1/26/23 10:30 AM for the Committee and Meeting drop down menus. Then click on SB 5217 and follow the instructions to sign in to register your position.
Chamber CEO Tara Doyle-Enneking and other guests at Puyallup Food Bank’s Ministry Leaders' Luncheon last week heard Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier speak about the homeless crisis in our community. Executive Dammeier, Pierce County Council, and a number of community leaders are working to establish Pierce County Village, a planned community modeled after the successful Community First Village near Austin, Texas.
Pierce County lacks the necessary housing for the chronically homeless, who overwhelmingly populate our streets, encampments, and shelters because they are the most challenging to permanently house successfully. With microhomes, work opportunities, and on-site mental health care, Pierce County Village could provide hope, dignity and purpose to the chronically homeless, and achieve the success of Austin’s Community First Village.
In lieu of our February GAC meeting, we'll head to Olympia as part of our Chamber Legislative Day, in partnership with NFIB of Washington.
Be sure to join us at our March GAC meeting, where we'll hear an update on matters in our nation's capitol from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, courtesy of Chris Eyler, NW Region Vice President.
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:
We're two weeks into the 2023 Legislative Session, we are working hard to provide testimony and register our positions on bills that are relevant to our businesses. I've also signed on to an Association of Washington Business letter concerning the governor's proposed delays of several important infrastructure projects across the state.
Our shared lobbyist in Olympia via the South Sound Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition provides weekly updates; a glance at the latest report included a whopping 229 bills! We need your input to know what's important to your respective industries. Please stay tuned to your trade associations and contact me regarding any pending bills affecting your business. Email me at exec@puyallupsumnerchamber.comI look forward to hearing from you!
State of the Cities Luncheon tomorrow
It isn't too late to join us at tomorrow's State of the Cities Luncheon, a new event that provides relevant updates to the business community from Puyallup and Sumner elected officials, city managers, police, fire, school districts and more.
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.
