A big thank you to those NFIB members who traveled to Olympia this week to participate in our annual Small Business Day at the Capitol. And a special note of appreciation to our sponsors, see below, who made it possible.
State Director Patrick Connor appeared on the Freedom Daily radio show to talk about Small Business Day and bills affecting small business the Legislature is considering.
In addition to a full schedule of policy briefings and member testimony that took place during SBD 2015, here’s a recap of the week’s other highlights:
Ban The Box
NFIB testified against a pair of “Ban the Box” bills, which would prohibit employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history prior to determining they are “otherwise qualified for a position.” As we said in testimony, the bills, House Bill 1701 and Senate Bill 5608, add time and cost to the hiring process and are an open invitation for litigation against small employers whose only crime is trying to do business in the state of Washington. KING-5 TV asked for a copy of our letter to the bills’ sponsors for use in a news segment Friday morning.
Health Care
- The healthcare cost and quality transparency bill we spent the interim crafting and negotiating was heard in the Senate Health Care Committee Tuesday. While Sen. Becker strictly limited testimony, an astounding 35 groups signed in supporting (proposed substitute) Senate Bill 5084. There was no opposition.
- We did testify in support of two bills, House Bill 1890 and House Bill 1967, in the House Health Care and Wellness Committee that could provide employers more flexibility to offer a defined contribution toward a worker’s health insurance policy purchased in the individual market, and give the state more health plan options through a waiver from Obamacare.
Workers’ Compensation
NFIB signed in supporting several workers’ compensation and labor reform bills in the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee, including Senate Bills 5507, 5509, 5513, 5514, 5515, 5602, and 5671.
Regulations
Similarly, we showed our support of more regulatory reform bills to limit the authority of overzealous regulators, which were heard in the House State Government Committee, including House Bills 1204, 1371, and 1913.
Independent Contracting
We are also continuing to work with Rep. Jeff Holy on his House Bill 1447, which would allow the Dept. of Enterprise Services to fine poorly performing vendors in lieu of disbarring them from all state contracts. Special thanks to NFIB Leadership Council member Dean Hartman and his brother Don for their hard work on this effort.
Gas Tax Increase
Also of note, Senate Transportation Committee leaders unveiled a three-year, 11.7 cents per gallon gas tax increase proposal Thursday. A reform package will accompany the tax bills. The proposal seeks to raise $15 billion over 15 years. The gas tax would increase 5 cents in 2016, 4.2 cents in 2017, and 2.5 cents. More information is available on the committee’s webpage. Based on prior special member ballot results, NFIB will oppose the gas tax increase.
Coming Up
Looking forward to next week, NFIB will participate in a press conference Tuesday discussing Gov. Jay Inslee’s low carbon fuel standard rule-making proposal. Friday, February 20, is the deadline for policy committees to approve bills for further consideration either in a fiscal committee or on the floor of the House or Senate. If tradition holds, there will be a flurry of activity as committees move key bills forward in advance of Friday’s cut-off.
Past Reports
