We are currently seeking volunteers to join our Local Government Affairs Committee. This is a unique chance for individuals who are passionate about business and government regulations to make an impact in our community.
Why Join the Local Government Affairs Committee? The Local Government Affairs Committee is a platform where you can engage in meaningful discussions about local government affairs and advocate for policies that promote a favorable business climate. It's a place where you can collaborate with other business leaders to address regulatory challenges and influence the direction of our local business community. What Can You Expect? As a volunteer, you will be part of a team that identifies and advocates on issues relating to business and government regulations. Your insights and experiences will be invaluable in shaping the business landscape of the Tri-City region. How to Get Involved? If you're interested in volunteering, we'd love to hear from you! Please reach out to us and we'll guide you through the next steps. We look forward to welcoming you to our committee and working together to make the Tri-City region a better place for businesses to thrive. You can reach Matt Murphy, Government & Regional Affairs Directory at matt.murphy@tricityregionalchamber.com
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Thanks to everyone who came out to Business After Hours at Columbia Ability Alliance on Thursday, April 11. We hope you had a wonderful time and made some fruitful new business connections. In 2023, the Governor signed House Bill 1106, which expanded the good cause reasons for voluntarily quitting employment set forth in RCW 50.20.050 and updated the employer benefit charging requirements set forth in RCW 50.29.021.
Washington State House Bill 1106, passed in 2023, is an act concerning qualifications for unemployment insurance when an individual voluntarily leaves work. Here are the key points:
The Department is engaging in rulemaking to implement HB 1106. This rulemaking is being completed in stages. We have completed the first stage, which updated WAC 192-150-055. They are now working on the second phase and updating the rules to define the term "split shift" and to incorporate quitting for good cause due to inaccessible care of a child or vulnerable adult, which was added by House Bill 1106. There is a draft ready to share and would like your feedback. Please send any comments or suggestions regarding the rulemaking to rules@esd.wa.gov or to: Attention: Stephanie Frazee, Legislation and Rules Coordinator Employment Security Department P.O. Box 9046 Olympia, WA 98501 Please submit comments or suggestions by Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Please identify the rulemaking as "Expanding Good Cause for Voluntarily Quitting Employment" in your comments. Plans to construct the Horse Heaven Wind Farm across thousands of acres in Benton County are moving forward with modifications. The original plan has been cut back by 116 turbines from the original plan of 231. Many of the turbines would reach 670 feet into the air. The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, or EFSEC, will be sending a recommendation report to Governor Inslee on April 17.
EFSEC is accepting comments about the proposed report and modifications being sent to Governor Inslee. Public comments can be made online at comments.efsec.wa.gov through midnight Wednesday, April 10. Local governments play a vital role in shaping our communities. They establish rules and regulations that impact everything from zoning laws to business licenses. But crafting effective regulations requires a clear understanding of a concept called "nexus."
What is Nexus? In the context of local government, nexus refers to the connection between a rule or regulation and the legitimate governmental interest it seeks to serve. Essentially, it asks the question: Does this rule have a valid purpose and is it directly tied to achieving that purpose? For example, a local government might impose a regulation requiring restaurants to maintain a certain health code rating. The nexus here is clear: the regulation aims to protect public health, a legitimate governmental interest. Why is Nexus Important? The concept of nexus is crucial for several reasons:
Let's consider two scenarios:
Nexus is a powerful tool for ensuring local government regulations are effective, fair, and respectful of individual rights. By demanding a clear connection between a rule and its purpose, nexus safeguards our communities and fosters a healthy balance between local control and individual liberty. The Bridging Partnerships Small Business Symposium was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who attended - we hope you made some fruitful new connections! A recent survey from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that voters across party lines are "supportive of pro-growth policies and pro-business candidates who will help businesses create jobs."
The survey came to the following conclusions:
Click here to see the results of the U.S. Chamber poll. Congratulations to Remedy Health & Wellness on their ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening on Thursday, March 28. Visit them at 112 Columbia Point Dr., Ste. 102 in Richland. Congratulations to HAPO Community Credit Union on the ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of their brand-new Belmont Financial Center! Check out the beautiful new branch at 6185 Keene Rd. in West Richland. Washington State has recently undergone a significant legislative redistricting process, resulting in changes to electoral boundaries. A federal judge's ruling has redrawn district maps, impacting both lawmakers and voters. In this article, we'll explore the redistricting process, its ramifications for Eastern Washington, and the implications for representation and political dynamics.
The redistricting process occurs every ten years following the U.S. Census. Its purpose is to adjust electoral boundaries to ensure equal representation based on population shifts. In Washington State, the bipartisan Washington State Redistricting Commission is responsible for drawing new district lines. A federal judge ruled that the original district maps drawn in 2021 violated the federal Voting Rights Act by diluting the voting power of the Latino community in the Yakima Valley and Pasco areas. As a result, the court ordered a redrawing of legislative district boundaries. U.S. District Court Judge Robert Lasnik approved a new legislative map (Remedial Map 3B) that addresses voting rights concerns. Notably, it creates a majority-Latino voting district in Central Washington, uniting Latino communities across the Yakima Valley into the 15th legislative district. This move aims to empower Latino voters to elect representatives aligned with their priorities. The redistricting decision impacts several current lawmakers. Senator Nikki Torres (R-Pasco), the only Latina in the Senate Republican Caucus, will no longer be able to run for re-election within her current district boundaries. Redistricting is a complex process with far-reaching consequences. While the new map aims to rectify voting rights violations, it remains a topic of debate. As Eastern Washington adjusts to these changes, voters and legislators must adapt to the reshaped political landscape. The current ruling is being challenged in court with the results due in the next month or two. |
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