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Why aren’t we hearing more about record number of statewide initiatives?
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…
Read MoreUPDATE: State Building Code Council ignores cost concerns, passes heat pump mandate (ban on natural gas in new homes)
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. …
Read MoreEmergency Medical Services Levy is on the November ballot – what will it cost?
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…
Read MoreClimate Action Fund update
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,…
Read MoreWhat your business needs to know about the state’s new wildfire smoke workplace rules
Dann Mead SmithAs summer approaches, unfortunately so does wildfire season in our state. Our summer days and nights will be impacted by the smoke that these fires produce even if they are hundreds of miles away from where we live and work. It is something that we have learned to adapt to especially over the…
Read MoreSurvey shows inflation tops a long list of employer challenges in 2022
Kris Johnson The soaring inflation rate has turned trips to the gas station, grocery store, shopping mall and restaurants into nerve-wracking experiences. Not to mention buying a used car or a sheet of plywood. But it isn’t just wreaking havoc on family budgets — inflation is setting off alarm bells for businesses, too. In a recent survey, inflation emerged as the No. 1 challenge facing Washington employers right now, edging out a long list of other concerns like finding enough workers,…
Read MoreWhat employers should know about the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Act
Does it make sense for you to opt out of coverage? James B. Twining, CFP Much to the chagrin of our Washington state government, the citizenry of the state will not approve a corporate or personal income tax. But never fear, the government makes up for it with a myriad of smaller tax bites of…
Read MorePeoples Bank increases minimum wage
Effective July 1, 2021, Peoples Bank announced it would raise its base minimum hourly wage for all hourly employees to $17, with market adjustments in Snohomish and King counties. The base minimum wage in Snohomish County will be adjusted to $18.70; in King County, the base minimum wage will be adjusted to $19.55. The Bank…
Read More“Stay Safe-Stay Healthy” rollback of phased reopenings as of November 17, 2020
New restrictions are now in place for Whatcom County. To read the full report of Gov. Jay Inslee’s new response to a COVID-19 outbreak surge, we’ve attached the complete pdf document that you can download.
Read MorePeoples Bank announces two new appointments
Peoples Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Hefter to the Peoples Bank and Peoples Bancorp Board of Directors. An executive with nearly 30 years of experience in community banking, Hefter has been involved in all facets of bank management and has contributed to the company’s tenfold growth during her tenure. Today, Peoples…
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