Much of this week’s efforts in the Legislature were focused on the House Labor and Health Care committees. In particular:
- NFIB testified against House Bill 1355, the $12 minimum wage, and House Bill 1356, the paid leave mandate. Despite our protests and those of other business groups, both bills were approved by the House Labor Committee this week. A special thank you to Leadership Council member Kelly Chambers who testified against the minimum wage hike.
- We also signed in opposed to House Bill 1273, a payroll tax to fund the family and medical leave program, and House Bill 1163, a vacation leave mandate. These bills are also being considered by the House Labor Committee.
- Today was the big hearing in the House Health Care & Wellness Committee on House Bill 1437, the All Payer Claims Database bill. As many of you know, NFIB helped broker an agreement between the Coalition for Health Care Cost Transparency and the state’s largest carriers, Premera Blue Cross and Regence Blue Shield, to make the bill possible. We knew we had strong support from a broad coalition, but even I was surprised that 27 organizations signed in supporting the bill. The roster is attached in case you’re interested to see the diversity of groups supporting this agreement. The bill is scheduled for executive action (approval) by the committee next week. It is on the calendar for February 3, 4 and 6. Also, NFIB’s testimony can be viewed online here.
Past Reports
