Evergreen Reporter

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is preparing for its annual Small Business Day at the Capitol in Olympia, scheduled for February 4. The event will be held at the DoubleTree hotel downtown Olympia, with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. and the event commencing at 9 a.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with lawmakers and attend committee hearings after lunch.

State Director Patrick Connor announced that guest speakers for the event include Senate Republican Leader John Braun, Senate Ways & Means Committee ranking member Chris Gildon, House Transportation Committee ranking member Andrew Barkis, and Health Exchange CEO Ingrid Ulrey. There is no fee to attend, and space remains available.

In legislative matters this week, NFIB expressed support for House Bill 1382 aimed at modernizing the state’s All Payer Claims Database. The organization opposes House Bill 1430, which mandates equal pay for ARNPs and physician assistants as doctors in commercial health insurance markets but exempts public employee health plans. NFIB argues that this would raise insurance premiums for consumers.

Additionally, NFIB opposed Senate Bill 5043 concerning PTSD claims by corrections workers under the state’s workers’ compensation system. Conversely, they supported House Bill 1483 related to Right to Repair legislation, highlighting significant public backing.

NFIB encourages its members to sign in on priority bills scheduled for public hearings next week. Among these are Senate Bill 5378 concerning grants within the paid family and medical leave insurance program and Senate Bill 5626 proposing a tax-funded wage replacement program for undocumented workers.

The organization also voiced opposition to House Bill 1533 allowing specialty electricians continued work while enrolled in apprenticeship programs and HB 1773 creating a wage replacement program similar to SB 5626.

NFIB has outlined several other bills of interest including those affecting school district elections and estate tax exclusion adjustments. Members are urged to participate actively either by attending hearings or registering their positions online.