Earlier this year, H.R. 7024, received significant bipartisan approval in the U.S. House of Representatives (357-70). The bill aims to provide tax relief for American families and businesses.

Despite the overwhelming support in the House, the U.S. Senate has yet to take action on this crucial legislation. The delay has left many wondering why the Senate has not acted promptly:

• The passage of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 holds significance for several reasons.Encouraging Capital Expenditures- H.R. 7024 allows businesses to immediately deduct the total cost of certain assets, such as new equipment and property. This provision encourages capital expenditures, stimulates economic growth, and supports job creation. When companies can deduct these costs upfront, they are more likely to invest in modernizing their infrastructure and expanding their capacity.
• Enhancing Cash Flow- The bill proposes using the EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) standard for deducting business interest expenses. By improving cash flow, businesses can make strategic decisions, expand operations, and invest in growth opportunities. This liquidity boost is especially crucial during economic downturns or periods of uncertainty.
• Boosting Domestic Investment and Innovation- H.R. 7024 includes provisions that allow American businesses to deduct their domestic research and development (R&D) expenses. By incentivizing innovation, this bill encourages companies to invest in home-grown solutions, technological advancements, and new product development. Ultimately, this benefits both businesses and the broader economy.

In summary, H.R. 7024 seeks to provide relief to American businesses, promote economic growth, and expand the Child Tax Credit. Its fate in the Senate remains uncertain, but it represents an important piece of legislation in ongoing tax policy discussions.  Striking a balance between tax relief and fiscal responsibility remains a challenge.
What do you think? Let your representatives in the U.S. Senate know where you stand.
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Contact them:
Senator Patty Murray                                                    Senator Maria Cantwell

​Washington State Department of Labor and Industries hosted a free training for construction workers at Yakima Valley College on Friday, April 19, 2024.
 
Maria Alleman, an Advisor with the Washington APEX Accelerator, delivered a comprehensive class titled “How to Find Bids and Market to Government Agencies”. Aimed at contractors and suppliers of goods and services seeking success in government contracting this session provided valuable insights. Attendees gained knowledge on locating bid opportunities within Washington State and implementing best practices for marketing to government agencies.
 
The Washington APEX Accelerator program plays a pivotal role in assisting businesses to prepare for, identify, and pursue bid opportunities. With eight centers spread across various regions, the program supports businesses in navigating federal, state, and local government contracting processes. Maria Alleman operates within Region 8, which is hosted by the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce and extends its services to Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Grant, Klickitat, Walla Walla, and Yakima counties.
 
For further details, please reach out directly to Washington APEX Accelerator via their website at https://washingtonapex.org.

Thanks to everyone who attended the State of the Counties Membership Luncheon on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Benton County Commissioner Michael Alvarez and Franklin County Commissioner Stephen Bauman gave insightful presentations on their prospective counties, touching on economic development, partnerships, public safety, and more.

Washington State Introduces “Washington Saves” Retirement Program

Washington state is taking steps to implement a new retirement program, joining 15 other states with similar initiatives. The recently passed ESSB 6069 establishes “Washington Saves,” an automatic enrollment individual retirement savings program.

​Key Points:

• Automatic Enrollment: Employees of covered employers will have the opportunity to contribute to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) through automatic payroll deductions. While enrollment is automatic, opt-out options are available.
• Employer Participation: Employers must register with Washington Saves and either participate or enroll employees in a retirement plan through associations.
• Enhancing Retirement Security: The program builds upon the existing Washington Small Business Retirement Marketplace, providing additional retirement options.
• Funding and Implementation: The bill appropriates funds for implementation, with expectations of recouping costs over time.
• Launch Date: The program is set to launch by July 1, 2027, potentially phasing in based on employer size.

This initiative aims to empower individuals to save independently for their retirement, contributing to long-term financial security. Despite initial confusion with other state programs, the auto-enrollment retirement plan is designed to benefit Washington residents in the years to come.

You can learn more about the program here. 

The workforce of 16-17-year-olds in Washington State represents a significant, yet often overlooked, potential for businesses. Let’s explore the current regulations, and challenges associated with employing minors.
In Washington State, employers are required to comply with specific laws and rules when hiring minors. These include obtaining a Minor Work Permit endorsement on their business license, maintaining specific information on file for each minor worker, and adhering to restrictions on the hours that minors can work.

During the school year, 16-17-year-olds are allowed to work up to 4 hours per day and 20 hours per week. However, during non-school weeks, they can work up to 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week. These restrictions are designed to ensure that employment does not interfere with their education.

While there are potential benefits, there are also challenges associated with employing 16-17-year-olds. These include managing their limited availability due to school commitments and ensuring compliance with labor laws. Employers must also provide a safe and appropriate work environment for young workers.

The 16-17-year-olds represent an untapped workforce that could potentially benefit many businesses. However, it’s crucial for employers to understand and comply with the regulations associated with employing minors. With careful management and adherence to labor laws, businesses can successfully integrate these young workers into their operations.

During the 2024 legislative session, two bills were introduced to help businesses and students navigate and potentially take advantage of this untapped labor market. Rep. April Connors and Rep. Stephanie McClintock both introduced bills to assist with this resource. Unfortunately, neither bill made it out of committee.

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is currently seeking feedback on a draft administrative policy regarding the employment of minors. This policy specifically guides scheduling and hours of work requirements for minors. Unlike the Revised Code of Washington (RCWs) and Washington Administrative Code (WACs), the draft administrative policy provides more detailed information.

This is an excellent opportunity for you to share any concerns you may have with the limitations and restrictions on the days, times, and hours that minors may work. ​Here is the link to the information from L&I regarding a virtual feedback session on April 26 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., or written comments can be submitted to L&I through May 31. 

On February 23, 2024, Wallula Gap Solar, LLC applied to EFSEC to construct and operate a 60-MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project with an optional battery energy storage system (BESS) in Benton County, Washington. The proposed facility would be located approximately 4 miles northwest of Plymouth, spanning across about 437 acres of three parcels owned by Farmland Reserve, Inc.

The facility would consist of PV modules mounted on single-axis trackers, which would tilt from east to west throughout the day to maximize energy output. The optional BESS, designed to store power generated by the facility and dispatch it to the electrical grid at a later time, would not exceed the facility’s 60-MW capacity. Currently, the facility plans to use lithium-ion battery energy technology, but other technologies could be considered based on commercial interest.

The facility would interconnect to Benton Public Utility District’s 115-kV line near the Prior #2 substation and then connect to the Bonneville Power Administration’s facilities at the Plymouth tap, where Benton PUD and BPA facilities connect at BPA’s McNary substation.

The EFSEC has scheduled an Open House,  Public Information Hearing and Land Use Consistency Hearing for April 23rd. The hearing will include a virtual and in-person components.

The may attend the meeting in person at:
Kennewick Valley Grange #731
2611 S Washington St
Kennewick, WA 99337

Virtual attendance is available via Microsoft Teams or via phone at:

• https://bit.ly/WallulaGap_InfoMtg_LUH
• Phone number +1 564-999-2000 Conference ID: 958652323#

The Open House begins at 5:30 pm, the Informational Public Hearing at 5:30 pm and the Land Use Consistency Hearing at approximately 8:00 pm.
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Additional information about the venue such as maps and directions can be found on our website: https://www.efsec.wa.gov/energy-facilities/wallula-ga

Congratulations to AtkinsRéalis on the grand opening of their new Technology Center. The facility is located at 2801 George Washington Way in Richland - near WSU Tri-Cities.

Congratulations to Boot Barn on their ribbon cutting and grand opening on Friday, April 12! Check out their store at 1321 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Ste. 850 in Kennewick (right next to the Columbia Center Mall - formerly Ulta Beauty).