Top bills to watch in 2023
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…
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 MoreUPDATE: State’s heat exposure rules
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…
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 MoreACTION ALERT: Single-use plastics ban needs to align with state regulations
On July 31, City of Bellingham Ordinance 2021-05-023 will go into effect that will ban the use of some single-use plastics by retail establishments in Bellingham with the goal of “encouraging compostable or reusable alternatives.” This new regulation will impact restaurants (no matter their size), coffee shops, hotels, etc. in Bellingham. The ordinance was passed…
Read MoreUPCOMING ACTION ALERT: Property tax increase to address climate change as possible fall ballot measure
The Bellingham City Council will be holding a virtual public hearing on Monday, June 27 to review their proposed Climate Action Fund ballot language that would increase property taxes on city residents and businesses for at least ten years. If approved by the mayor and city council in July, this will then be put before city voters…
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 MoreState lawmakers hit the gas on multi-year spending spree
By Kris Johnson Looking back at the 2022 state legislative session, it’s hard not to be disappointed at the missed opportunities. Yes, lawmakers accomplished some things that are good for the economy, like shoring up the unemployment insurance trust fund, lowering the B&O tax threshold for the smallest of small businesses and passing a transportation…
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