Evergreen Reporter

Patrick Connor, the state director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), is set to present testimony today against Senate Bill 5578 before the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee in Olympia, Washington. The committee meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.

Simultaneously, House Bill 1764 will be reviewed by the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards. In written testimony submitted for this meeting, Connor expressed concerns about the ongoing challenges faced by small businesses due to long-term impacts of COVID-19. He stated, “Washington’s small businesses are still suffering the effects of long-COVID: ongoing workforce shortages, higher costs, lower revenue, job losses, business closures." Connor further explained that businesses have had to "cut expenses to the bone," delay improvements and equipment purchases, raise wages and prices as last resorts while reducing hours due to fewer workers.

The staff analysis of HB 1764 outlines several key changes: gradual annual increases in minimum wage from $17.50 in 2026 up to $25 in 2031; requirements for employers to provide paid vacation leave and bereavement leave; and provisions allowing the Department of Labor and Industries authority over employer compliance concerning employee payments.

Connor's opposition comes amid broader discussions about minimum wage adjustments nationwide. A related web story highlights that California voters recently rejected a proposal (Proposition 32) aimed at increasing their state's minimum wage.

The NFIB has been advocating for small businesses across America since its founding in 1943. For more information or updates regarding Washington state small-business news, interested parties can visit NFIB’s website or follow their social media channels.