Evergreen Reporter

Washington state's leading small business association, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), has announced its legislative agenda for 2025. The primary focus is on revising the state's business personal property tax and enhancing healthcare affordability.

Patrick Connor, state director for NFIB in Washington, emphasized the organization's commitment to these priorities. "We will lobby strenuously for passage of House Bill 1004 and House Joint Resolution 4200 that will expand the business personal property tax exemption to all businesses and increase that exemption to $50,000," said Connor. He also highlighted efforts towards healthcare reform: "As another top priority, we will also push for passage of House Bill 1382 that will modernize the all-payer claims database to make it consistent with federal rules. This would be a huge step toward health-care affordability."

In addition to these initiatives, NFIB aims to advance legislation supporting a right-to-repair law (HB 1483, SB 5423). This law would allow small repair shops and individuals access to parts, tools, and instructions from electronic device manufacturers. Connor noted ongoing collaboration with tech industry leaders on this bill.

The organization also expressed opposition to certain proposals such as extending unemployment benefits to striking workers, accelerating the minimum wage schedule, and funding wage replacement for workers not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. "The unemployment insurance system was built to take taxes from employers... It was not meant to be an open bar tab for everyone else," added Connor.

NFIB continues its advocacy efforts on behalf of small and independent businesses across the nation. For further information or updates on their activities in Washington state, visit www.nfib.com or follow them on social media platforms.