Business News

The 60-day 2024 legislative session adjourned on March 7. Legislators debated​ several important bills this year, even during this “short session” that lacked the biennial​ state budget present in odd-numbered years.​ Some of the key bills are listed below, along with the votes cast by our legislators in​ the 40th and 42nd districts. Download PDF here. The post 2024 legislative session recap appeared first on Whatcom Business Alliance.

Washington’s ‘direct democracy’ deserves more respect OpEd from Simon Sefzik  In 1912, Washington state pioneered “direct democracy” as one of the first to formalize an initiative and referendum process, allowing citizens to organize and directly create and reform laws. This gave a voice to people beyond the halls of a distant capitol building. The Secretary… The post Why aren’t we hearing more about record number of statewide initiatives? appeared first on Whatcom Business Alliance.

By Barron Heating Pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and falling leaves—all the things we love about fall are here. But so is the wet, the cold, and the illnesses. With kids back in school, families are being exposed to an onslaught of germs. And from close learning environments to shared supplies, these germs are enough to… The post Protecting your health & investments with a Commercial Service Agreement appeared first on Whatcom Business Alliance.

Dann Mead SmithEven though this is considered an “off-year election,” given that there are no presidential, gubernatorial or congressional candidates on the ballot, 2023 is shaping up to be an important one given all of the key local races in Whatcom County: county executive, county council, Bellingham mayor, numerous local council and school board races,… The post Two ballot measures on the November ballot may impact your business, employees appeared first on Whatcom Business Alliance.

Dann Mead SmithEditor’s note: This column was written in mid-February, so some of these bills might no longer be alive, or they may have been amended in committee.  The 105-day legislative session is scheduled to adjourn on April 23. The Whatcom Business Alliance is busy tracking and sending out action alerts on key bills that… The post Top bills to watch in 2023 appeared first on Whatcom Business Alliance.

Whatcom Business Alliance wants to alert you to this costly new mandate that was passed last week that will increase the cost and availability of new homes during a housing shortage in our state.  We will keep you updated on plans to challenge this costly regulation and/or to repeal it during the 2023 Legislative Session. … The post UPDATE: State Building Code Council ignores cost concerns, passes heat pump mandate (ban on natural gas in new homes) appeared first on Whatcom Business Alliance.

In November, Whatcom County voters will decide if property taxes in the county should be increased to renew (and increase) the County’s Emergency Medical Services Levy.  At first glance, this might look like an easy decision as citizens need EMS services and these types of ballot measures usually pass without much opposition as the first… The post Emergency Medical Services Levy is on the November ballot – what will it cost? appeared first on Whatcom Business Alliance.

You will recall that we alerted Whatcom Business Alliance members earlier this summer to the state’s new, temporary heat rules that some Whatcom County businesses have been required to have in place over the summer. We now want to share what the WA State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is proposing as year-round rules for employees that… The post UPDATE: State’s heat exposure rules appeared first on Whatcom Business Alliance.

Hopefully you saw the good news in our last Action Alert email that Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood listened to your concerns as business owners and employees and has canceled plans to put a property tax increase proposal before voters this fall. Thank you for contacting his office, as well as members of the city council,… The post Climate Action Fund update appeared first on Whatcom Business Alliance.