Dozens of small-business owners from across the state traveled to Olympia on February 26 for NFIB/Washington’s annual Small Business Day at the Capitol. These entrepreneurs heard legislative and policy briefings on issues affecting their bottom-line and ability to effectively manage their operations.
Highlights included:
- The Department of Commerce surveyed participants to help determine what regulations should be measured by its new Red Tape Index
- Freedom Foundation CEO Tom McCabe discussed efforts underway to break the stranglehold of Big Labor on state government
- Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) Director Joel Sacks updated the group on initiatives to control workers’ compensation system costs and improve customer service at the agency.
The luncheon featured briefings from:
- Senate Majority Coalition Caucus Leader Sen. Rodney Tom
- Republican Leader and NFIB member Sen. Mark Schoesler
- Majority Coalition Caucus Chairwoman and NFIB member Sen. Linda Evans Parlette
- House Republican Leader and NFIB member Rep. Dan Kristiansen
- Senate Commerce & Labor Committee Chair Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry.
This was Sen. Holmquist Newbry’s final Small Business Day appearance as a state legislator. She is running for the open 4th Congressional District seat, rather than for re-election to the State Senate this year. Holmquist Newbry, a six-time Guardian of Small Business and Outstanding Lawmaker award recipient, is one of small business’ strongest advocates in Olympia, earning an impressive 99 percent career voting record with NFIB.
Participants then headed to the capitol to testify on four bills.
They successfully explained why the paid sick leave mandate contained in House Bill 1313 is unnecessary and likely to hinder their efforts to increase wages and create more jobs. Senate Commerce & Labor Committee Chairwoman Holmquist Newbry shelved the bill following this impassioned testimony.
Despite excellent comments from several members, three NFIB-supported bills failed to advance from the House Labor & Workforce Development Committee. These bills are SB 5112, allowing retrospective rating groups limited authority to schedule independent medical examinations and vocational counselling sessions; SB 5158, providing a safe harbor for business owners who rely on written guidance from L&I for wage and hour questions; and SB 6179, allowing small businesses to form group self-insurance pools for workers’ compensation.
Check this website for all the latest news on small-business issues in the Legislature and make it a date to join us next year for your Small Business Day at the Capitol.
