Legislative Advocacy

• Maintain a competitive, accountable, and business -friendly taxing environment – establishing a strong nexus between business taxes and outcomes
  • No increases to state B&O tax or fees on businesses given the current economic climate
• Carefully evaluate the Tax Structure Workgroup proposal for negative impacts on business

• Support the projects as outlined in the Clark County Transportation Alliance policy statement, securing funding for the highest priority projects in SW Washington
• Protect the “Move Ahead Washington Transportation Project” investment dedicated to the I 5 Replacement Bridge
• Support freight and commerce priorities, especially “expanded overnight truck parking”
• Support Public Transportation as a critical component of getting workers to their workplace

• Support the legislation to FIX the TIF language located in Chapter 39.114 RCW, to allow private construction on a port-owned property to be included in the TIF distributions
• Public Safety – fix law enforcement language to allow police to do their work and keep places of business safe
• Secure additional job-creating incentives to bring employers to Washington State
• Secure funding for the dock demolition phase of Terminal 1 waterfront development project ($3.5 million)
• Ensure energy policy is balanced, diversified and economically sustainable while protecting the hydropower system and navigation corridors on the Columbia and Snake River system

• Work with local jurisdictions to provide business perspective as they develop climate action plans
• Prevent the “ban” of natural gas, which is still vitally necessary to many industries, with renewables not yet providing a reliable alternative source
  • Support a divers energy portfolio, including all renewable sources, across Washington State (and Clark County) to reduce climate impacts and support energy resilience
• Protect funds in the Model Toxics Control Account (MATCA)for cleanup activities

• Support programs that will better align educators and employers with workforce needs
• Support "alternative" pathways to trade schools and apprenticeships, especially in the High School years
• Support a criminal justice training facility in southwest Washington
• Support budget request to support WSU Nursing Program reaccreditation: $4.4 million
• Support development of WSU Public Health bachelor’s degree program: $2.6 million the behavioral health track (with a focus on addictions science) to be delivered at Spokane and Vancouver campuses, leveraging existing strengths at these locations

• Support approaches to provide shelter for the houseless in a manner which addresses potential unintended consequences on businesses
• Support incentives to assist communities in the build out of middle housing

• Oppose ergonomic bill(s) that add unnecessary restrictions to requirements already in place. These unnecessary additions make it harder for employers to expand and add jobs or for entrepreneurs to start up
• Oppose predictive scheduling. Compliance without financial penalty would be close to impossible for many business sectors and season employers
• Oppose Qui tam and Right of Private action legislation. These bills are harmful to businesses and ultimately have not proven to be effective or helpful to employees.  Processes currently exist for employees to file complaints without the need to suits
• Reconcile Paid Family Medical Leave shortfall and move forward with accountability
• Address the lack of flexibility in the Long-Term Care Act for individuals to opt out now that the Act is moving forward
• Advocate with LNI to open Workers Compensation Insurance by private sector competitors to make the premiums more competitive with neighboring states
• Provide greater certainty and timeliness in permitting

• Support the budget request by WSU Vancouver for the Maintenance & Operations of the new Life Sciences Building, $747,000

These as well as the recurring items, such as continued support for the Bi-State I-5 Replacement Bridge efforts including the local office, are the priorities brought forth by the Public Affairs Committee, and ratified by the GVC Board of Directors, in representation of all of the Greater Vancouver Chamber members. If you have any questions or thoughts you would like to add, please connect with us at YourChamber@VancouverUSA.com.