​The Association of Washington Business (AWB) released several issue briefs for the 2025 legislative session, addressing key topics impacting businesses in Washington State. These briefs provide insights into legislative priorities and proposed policies.

• Budget: AWB emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced state budget without increasing taxes, advocating for fiscal responsibility to support economic growth.

• Updating Washington's Pay Transparency Law: This brief discusses proposed amendments to enhance pay transparency, aiming to promote fairness and equity in the workplace.

• Rent Control: AWB argues against the implementation of statewide rent control, suggesting that increasing housing supply is a more effective solution to address affordability issues.

• Employer Costs in Washington: This brief examines the various factors contributing to employer costs in the state, highlighting the need for policies that alleviate financial burdens on businesses.

• Unemployment Insurance for Striking Workers: The AWB opposes extending unemployment insurance benefits to workers on strike, maintaining that current laws appropriately disqualify striking workers from receiving such benefits since they have jobs to return to post-strike.
 
• Housing: This brief outlines AWB's perspectives on housing policies aimed at increasing affordability and availability to support the state's growing population.

These issue briefs serve as valuable resources for understanding AWB's positions and the potential implications of proposed legislative actions on the business community in Washington State. You can find other issue briefs here. 

Congratulations to Three Rivers Convention Center on the groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on their new expansion! After construction is complete, the Three Rivers Convention center will add a 60,000 square foot exhibit hall, 5,000 square feet of additional meeting rooms, an extended lobby/pre-function space, and a new kitchen to the existing footprint. The project is projected to be complete by Fall 2026.

​Washington State House Bill 1722 (2025) is a proposal designed to strengthen Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in public schools. These programs provide students with real-world job skills while still in middle or high school. The CTE includes training in areas such as construction, healthcare, information technology, and other high-demand industries. HB 1722 focuses on preparing students not only for college but also for the workforce. It encourages schools to work closely with local businesses, so students can get hands-on experiences that connect directly to their future careers.

If passed, this bill would bring more support and funding to the CTE programs across the state. It would modernize classrooms and equipment, expand career-connected learning opportunities, such as internships and apprenticeships, and make it easier for students to earn credentials and certifications before they graduate. The goal is to help students explore careers early, build practical skills, and become more prepared to enter the workforce.

For businesses, HB 1722 offers a chance to help shape their future workforces. Companies can partner with local schools to provide job shadowing, internships, or even direct training. This means that businesses could find skilled workers more easily, especially in trade and technical jobs that are currently facing shortages. Employers also benefit from having a voice in what students are learning, so graduates come out of school with the exact skills they need.

Communities across Washington would also feel the impact. When students have access to career training in high school, they are more likely to remain motivated, graduate, and contribute to the local economy. Young people are better prepared to enter local industries, which helps towns and cities grow stronger. 

There are many potential benefits to the bill. This would help students obtain real job experiences before they graduate. It would also allow them to earn certifications that would make them more competitive in the job market. Families could save money, since students might not need expensive college degrees to start a good career. In addition, employers would have a reliable pipeline of skilled workers trained in their communities.

In the end, House Bill 1722 is about giving students more choices and better opportunities. This helps connect classroom learning to real careers and supports the idea that success after high school does not always require a four-year college degree. With careful planning and strong community support, this bill could help prepare the next generation of Washington workers for success in the modern economy.

In 2025, Washington State lawmakers are working to address several aspects of education. From Childcare to K12, post-secondary education. Legislators are working hard to improve this system. 

In 2025, several laws were introduced to improve Career and Technical Education (CTE). CTE helps students learn skills for specific jobs such as healthcare, technology, or construction. These new laws aim to better prepare students for the workforce and address challenges they might face when starting their careers.

1. House Bill 1722: This bill aims to find out what rules might be stopping students from joining CTE programs or other job-related pathways. By understanding these barriers, the goal is to make changes that will allow more students to get the training they need for various careers.  

2. House Bill 1273: This proposal plans to continue and expand a program that helps students earn both high school and college credits simultaneously through CTE courses. This means students can get a head start on their college education while still in high school, saving time and money. 

3. House Bill 1414: This bill aims to make it easier for 16- and 17-year-old students who are in or have completed CTE programs to find jobs. It looks at changing certain laws and practices that might make it difficult for these students to obtain work experience or jobs in their chosen fields. 

4. Senate Bill 5358: This bill suggests that sixth grade students should be allowed to take exploratory CTE courses. The idea is to introduce younger students to different career options early on, helping them discover what interests them, and plan their future education paths accordingly. 

These proposed laws can help students by:
• Providing Early Exposure: Starting career education in middle school allows students to explore different fields and make informed decisions about their futures.
• Expanding Opportunities: Focusing on specific industries, like maritime careers, opens up new job possibilities for students. 
• Removing Barriers: Changing rules that limit participation in CTE programs can make it easier for students to get the training they need.

However, high school students often face challenges when entering the workforce, such as:
• Lack of Experience: Many employers prefer workers with experience, which students might not have yet.
• Limited Access to Training: Not all schools offer a wide range of CTE programs, limiting students' options.
• Balancing Responsibilities: Managing schoolwork, part-time jobs, and personal life can be challenging for students.

By addressing these challenges through supportive laws and programs, Washington State aims to help students successfully transition from school to the workplace.

Congratulations to NextDoor Wellness and Northwest Stem Cell on their combined ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, March 20. You can visit both facilities at their home at 5908 Bedford St., Ste. A in Pasco.

Running for a locally elected office in Washington State is a significant undertaking that requires careful preparation and adherence to specific procedures. The Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) provides comprehensive guidance on this process, detailing the necessary steps and considerations for prospective candidates. 

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for local office, candidates must meet certain criteria:
• Citizenship and Age: Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old. 
• Voter Registration: Must be a registered voter in the jurisdiction of the intended office. 
• Residency: Some positions may have specific residency requirements.
It's essential to verify any additional qualifications for the desired position

Filing for Candidacy

The filing process involves several key steps: 
• Filing Period: Candidates must file their declarations during the official filing period, typically held annually. 
• Declaration of Candidacy: This form must be submitted to the appropriate elections office, either in person, electronically, or by mail. 
• Filing Fees: Some positions require a filing fee, which varies depending on the office sought.

Timely submission of all required documents is crucial to ensure candidacy.

Campaign Conduct and Regulations

Candidates must adhere to specific regulations during their campaigns:
• Use of Public Facilities: State law prohibits the use of public facilities to support or oppose any candidate or ballot measure. 
• Financial Disclosures: Candidates are required to file financial disclosures with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC), detailing contributions and expenditures. 
• Political Advertising: All political advertisements must comply with state regulations, including proper sponsorship identification.
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Understanding and following these rules is essential for a lawful and ethical campaign.

Additional Resources
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Prospective candidates are encouraged to consult the MRSC's comprehensive guide on running for a locally elected office for detailed information on each aspect of the process. This resource provides in-depth coverage of eligibility requirements, filing procedures, campaign regulations, and more. 

For complete details and further guidance, please refer to the full article on the MRSC website.
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The Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) is a nonprofit organization that assists local governments throughout Washington State by offering legal and policy guidance on various topics.

Filing week in Washington State begins on May 5, 2025 and runs until May 7th.



​Photo by Nkululeko Mabena on Unsplash

​Washington State House Bill 1210 (HB 1210), Sponsored by Representative Barnard (R), Pasco proposes changes to the existing Targeted Urban Area (TUA) tax exemption program to better support clean energy transformation businesses. The TUA program currently offers a 10-year local property tax exemption for new industrial or manufacturing facilities in designated urban areas, provided they meet specific criteria, such as creating at least 25 family-wage jobs within one year of occupancy.  
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Key Provisions of HB 1210:
• Extension of Construction Timeline: The bill seeks to extend the allowable construction period beyond the current three-year limit for complex and heavily regulated projects, such as those in the nuclear and hydrogen energy sectors. This extension aims to accommodate the longer development timelines these projects often require.  

Implications for Businesses and Local Communities:
• For Businesses: The proposed extension would provide clean energy companies with more flexibility and time to complete their projects without losing tax incentives. This could encourage more investments in the clean energy sector within Washington State. 

• For Local Communities: By attracting clean energy projects, communities could benefit from job creation, economic growth, and advancements in sustainable energy infrastructure.

Potential Positive Effects:
• Economic Growth: Increased investments in clean energy projects can stimulate local economies through job creation and related business opportunities. 

• Environmental Benefits: Supporting clean energy initiatives aligns with Washington's sustainability goals, potentially reducing the state's carbon footprint and promoting environmental health.

Overall, HB 1210 aims to enhance the state's support for clean energy projects by making the TUA tax exemption program more accommodating to the unique needs of this sector. While this could lead to significant economic and environmental benefits, careful consideration of the potential fiscal and regulatory impacts is essential to ensure balanced outcomes for both businesses and local communities. 

Photo by Crystal Kwok on Unsplash