​The Tri-Cities continue to grow and evolve, with significant changes reshaping their political landscape. For years, the region was primarily represented by the 8th, 9th, 16th, and portions of the 15th legislative districts. However, following recent redistricting efforts, the 9th legislative district has moved further east and the14th legislative district has been introduced, adding a new layer of representation to the community. This change brings new voices and opportunities to advocate for the interests of the region's residents and businesses.

With the inclusion of the 14th legislative district, the Tri-Cities now benefit from the insights and efforts of five new legislators, including three freshman lawmakers. Senator Curtis King, a seasoned and respected lawmaker, returned to represent the 14th district. Senator King brings years of experience and a proven track record of addressing transportation, education, and economic development issues—key areas for the Tri-Cities.

Joining Senator King in the 14th legislative district are Representatives Gloria Mendoza and Deb Manjarrez. Both are freshman legislators who bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the state legislature. Representative Mendoza, a long-time advocate for community development, is expected to focus on improving access to resources and opportunities for underserved populations. Representative Manjarrez, with a background in small business and is poised to champion initiatives that foster economic growth and streamline regulatory processes.

In addition, changes to the 15th legislative district introduced a new representation. Representative Jeremie Dufault is a freshman legislator who is eager to make an impact. His focus on fiscal responsibility and support for agriculture aligns with the region's priorities. Meanwhile, Representative Chris Corry, a returning lawmaker, took on a new role within the 15th district and the Republican House leadership. His experience and familiarity with legislative processes will serve as a stabilizing force during these transitions.

This expanded and reconfigured representation offers the Tri-Cities an exciting opportunity to amplify their voice in Olympia. Each legislator brings unique perspectives and areas of expertise that can address the diverse needs of the community. By advancing infrastructure projects to support local businesses, this team can potentially make meaningful progress in the region.

As the 2024 legislative session approaches, the Chamber of Commerce and local stakeholders look forward to engaging with new and returning lawmakers. Collaboration and communication will be key to ensuring the Tri-Cities’ priorities are well-represented at the state level. With a unified effort, the Tri-Cities region is well positioned to thrive under this new chapter of legislative leadership.

photo credit: Gloria Mendoza for State Representative

The Tri-Cities Legislative Council (TCLC) is a coalition of community organizations from the Tri-Cities. Its primary mission is to advocate for the region's interests at the state and federal levels, fostering collaboration among member organizations to avoid duplication of efforts and maximize impact.

Member Organizations

The TCLC comprises representatives from the following organizations:

• Tri-City Industrial Development Council (TRIDEC)
• Visit Tri-Cities
• Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Pasco Chamber of Commerce
• West Richland Chamber of Commerce
• Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Mission and Focus

The TCLC works collectively to identify and prioritize legislative issues that affect the Tri-Cities area. Key areas of focus include:

• Infrastructure development
• Economic growth
• Education
• Energy
• Environmental sustainability

By addressing these priorities, the council seeks to promote policies and secure resources that align with the region’s long-term goals.

Core Functions

1. Legislative Advocacy:
The TCLC identifies and champions key legislative priorities that directly impact the Tri-Cities region, such as transportation, education, economic development, energy policy, and water resources.

2. Unified Representation:
Acting as a cohesive voice, the council represents the collective interests of the region, ensuring consistent and effective advocacy on issues that transcend individual cities or counties.

3. Engagement with Lawmakers:
The council facilitates direct communication and meetings between regional leaders and state or federal legislators to discuss pressing needs and propose practical solutions.

4. Community Advocacy:
The TCLC ensures that the diverse interests of businesses, residents, and other stakeholders are included in legislative discussions, fostering inclusive representation.

Impact and Benefits
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The TCLC's unified approach amplifies the region’s influence in securing funding, shaping policy, and driving innovation. By working collaboratively, the council strengthens the Tri-Cities’ position as a thriving and forward-looking community.

The Meet the Buyer: Doing Business with CPCCo event on Monday, January 16 was a success, with a full house of engaged attendees ready to learn and connect. Small businesses gained invaluable insights from CPCCo’s procurement experts and took advantage of networking opportunities to grow their potential contacts and partnerships.
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Key takeaways for attendees include paying attention to detail on RFP requestions, offering alternative ways to engage, and CPCCo's commitment to fostering an inclusive and well-rounded supplier base.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, to the panelists (Lloyd & Bill) for sharing their expertise, and to CPCCo for their dedication to supporting small businesses.
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Stay tuned for more opportunities to connect and learn in 2025! 

The 2025 legislative session starts on January 13, 2025. During the last biennium, over 3,000 bills were introduced into the Washington State legislature for consideration. The upcoming session is a “long” session, scheduled to last 105 days. In addition to normal legislative duties, the House and Senate are expected to agree on three different budget packages.

The Washington State legislature must create three main budgets: an operating budget, a transportation budget, and a capital budget. The operating budget is the largest, funding schools, human services, government operations, and other priorities. The transportation budget funds infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and public transportation. The capital budget funds construction projects, such as public buildings and infrastructure. Once all is said and done, the governor will have final approval.

There is one major challenge: Washington's budget faces significant difficulties, with an estimated gap between $10 billion and $12 billion expected in the next two budget cycles. This shortfall could rise to nearly $15 billion if new public employee contract costs are included. The state operates on a two-year budget, with the current one ending on June 30, 2025, already balanced, but the next budgets will not be. This situation is not entirely unexpected, as the last session's supplemental budget revealed that spending exceeded tax revenues. State lawmakers and Governor Jay Inslee used reserves and federal pandemic aid to address previous deficits.
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As of December 16, there were 130 prefiled bills. Prefiled bills include HB 1017, designating November 22 as “Kimchi Day,” and SB 5020, providing property tax relief for senior citizens.

If you want to look and track prefiled bills, you can do so here. 

Congratulations to Tri-County Partners Habitat for Humanity on the groundbreaking ceremony for a new affordable housing development. This project represents a major milestone in their mission to provide families with safe, stable, and affordable homes. The new homes will be located near 3452 Stardust St in Richland.

Thanks to everyone who attended the Legislative Send Off Membership Luncheon on Wednesday, December 11. Attendees learned about the Tri-Cities Legislative Council's 2025 priorities heading into the next legislative session.

Congratulations to Ben Franklin Transit on the ribbon cutting for their new operations building! The 17,000-square-foot building is located at 1026 Columbia Park Trail in Richland. The facility features open and private office and work areas, a dispatch area, training and conference rooms, and more.

Thank you to everyone who attended Business After Hours at The Lodge at Columbia Point on Thursday, December 12. We hope you made some valuable new business connections!

Businesses in Washington State must display specific federal and state employment law posters where employees can easily see them. These posters outline employee rights and employer responsibilities. Here’s what you need to know:

Federal Posters

1. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) - Minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor laws.
2. OSHA Poster - Workplace safety rights.
3. Employee Polygraph Protection Act - Protection against lie detector tests.
4. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) - Anti-discrimination laws.
5. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) - Employee rights under FMLA.
Download these posters from the U.S. Department of Labor.

State Posters

1. Minimum Wage Poster - Washington State wage and overtime rules.
2. Your Rights as a Worker - Wage laws, workers’ compensation, and workplace rights.
3. Unemployment Benefits Poster - How to apply for unemployment.
4. Workers' Compensation Poster - Claim procedures and rights.
5. Paid Family and Medical Leave Poster - Information on the state program.

Access state posters from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries and Employment Security Department websites.

Posting Guidelines

Display posters in a visible location like a break room. For remote workers, provide electronic access or mail copies. Failure to comply can result in fines or disputes.
Stay Updated

Ensure posters are current and available in languages your workforce understands. Check for updates regularly to remain compliant.