A huge THANK YOU to everyone who attended the Small Business Resource Fair on September 11. We hope you made some valuable new connections with organizations that provide resources for small businesses.

Thanks to the following organizations for exhibiting at the fair:

• Business Impact NW
• Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship
• City of Kennewick
• City of Richland
• FUSE
• Small Business Administration
• Small Business Development Center
• Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
• Washington APEX Accelerator
• Washington State University
• Washington State Department of Commerce
• WA State Department of Enterprise Services
• WA State Department of Labor and Industries
• WorkSource Columbia Basin

Recent legislative redistricting in Eastern Washington was driven by several factors, primarily population changes and legal challenges related to voting rights.

The redistricting process, which occurs every ten years following the national census, aims to ensure that legislative districts have roughly equal populations. In Eastern Washington, significant population shifts necessitated adjustments to district boundaries.

A federal judge ruled that the previous district maps diluted the voting power of the Latino community in the Yakima Valley, violating the Voting Rights Act. This led to a court-ordered redrawing of the district boundaries to better represent Latino voters.

Even though the federal judge made his ruling in March 2024, the Office of the Secretary of State has not updated the “District Finder” webpage on the legislature’s website yet. It is not expected to update until after the November election. The alternative map offered on the legislature website is not incredibly detailed. Districts have significantly shifted and separated by a single road or on-ramp.
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The Office of the Secretary of State did provide me with a more detailed map. There is still no option to get your exact location by entering your street address. You can access the new Google Maps-based district map here. 

Congratulations to Trinity Hot Yoga on their ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration on Friday, September 6! The new studio is located at 1464 Bombing Range Road, Suite C-2 in West Richland.

​Youth Employment in Washington State: Opportunities and Guidelines
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Youth employment is a vital aspect of personal and professional development, offering young individuals the chance to gain valuable work experience, develop skills, and earn their own money. In Washington State, there are specific rules and requirements designed to protect young workers while ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive in the workplace. Below we explore the landscape of youth employment in Washington State and provide a list of essential resources for both employers and young workers.

In addition to the benefits listed about, youth employment offers other numerous benefits, including:

• Skill Development: Young workers can develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management.
• Financial Independence: Earning their own money helps young people learn financial responsibility.
• Career Exploration: Early work experiences can help youth explore different career paths and interests.
• Work Ethic: Employment fosters a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility.

Washington State has specific laws and regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of young workers. Here are some key points:

1. Minimum Age to Work: The minimum legal age to work in Washington is 14 years old. However, there are exceptions for certain types of work, such as family farms and theatrical jobs.
2. Work Permits: Employers must obtain a Minor Work Permit from the Department of Revenue (DOR) before hiring minors. This permit must be posted at the workplace.
3. Parental and School Authorization: For minors to work, employers must have a completed Parent/School Authorization form during the school year or a Parent Authorization for Summer Work form during summer break.
4. Work Hours: There are restrictions on the hours minors can work, especially during the school year. For example, 14- and 15-year-olds can work up to 3 hours on a school day and 8 hours on a non-school day.
5. Prohibited Duties: Certain hazardous jobs and duties are prohibited for minors. These include operating heavy machinery, working with hazardous substances, and more.

To help navigate the rules and requirements, here are some valuable resources:

• Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I): Provides comprehensive information on hiring minors, including work permits, authorization forms, and prohibited duties. Learn more.
• Hiring Youth Under Age 14: Specific guidelines for hiring minors under 14, including exceptions and required permissions. Learn more.
• Employment Law Handbook: Offers detailed information on Washington’s child labor laws, including age restrictions, work hours, and types of work allowed. Learn more.
• Minor Work Permit: Information on obtaining and posting a Minor Work Permit from the Washington Department of Revenue. Learn more.

Youth employment in Washington State is a valuable opportunity for young individuals to gain experience, develop skills, and earn money. By understanding and adhering to the state’s rules and requirements, both employers and young workers can ensure a safe and productive work environment. Utilize the resources provided to stay informed and compliant with all regulations.
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If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries or visit their website for more detailed information.