Evergreen Reporter

State Director Patrick Connor has provided an update from Olympia on the legislative and political activities affecting small businesses for the week ending February 7. This week saw continued bill introductions and public hearings, with committees holding more executive sessions to amend bills before forwarding them to fiscal committees or the chamber’s Rules Committee.

Currently, over 100 bills of interest to small business owners are being tracked. Among these, NFIB testified against House bills HJR 4201 and HB 1032, which aim to amend the state constitution to lower the vote threshold for approving school bonds and levies. NFIB argues that maintaining a 60% majority protects non-resident property owners who cannot vote on such measures but would be affected by them.

In contrast, NFIB supported SB 5423, the Senate version of the Right to Repair bill. Discussions about amendments are ongoing, with hopes that the House bill will clear committee soon.

NFIB also opposed SB 5548 in a Senate labor committee hearing. The bill proposes requiring employers to continue health insurance coverage for injured workers during their absence. NFIB highlighted flaws in this plan through supplemental written comments and plans to reiterate its stance when HB 1788 is heard in the House labor committee.

Looking ahead, approximately 15 bills are scheduled for hearings next week. Notably, both $25 minimum wage bills will be discussed simultaneously in House and Senate labor committees on Tuesday. NFIB encourages small business owners to testify online against these proposals.

The recent Small Business Day event held on February 4 faced challenging weather conditions but was well-attended by members who engaged with policymakers on various issues affecting small businesses. Key topics included budget concerns presented by Sen. Chris Gildon and health insurance options discussed by Ingrid Ulrey.

NFIB Washington expressed gratitude towards event sponsors Larson Financial Group and Rock Point Oyster Co., acknowledging their contributions in making the event possible.