​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.

I am writing to express my strong support for House Bill 1210, which provides tax incentives to businesses that invest in economically struggling urban areas across Washington State. I believe this bill is a critical step toward revitalizing communities that need economic development and job opportunities. Encouraging businesses to expand into these regions will help stimulate local economies and improve the quality of life for many Washingtonians.

HB 1210 is not just about business growth—it is about creating opportunities for people. When companies invest in underdeveloped areas, they bring jobs, infrastructure improvements, and increased economic activity. This means more employment for local residents, stronger small businesses, and a healthier economy overall. As someone who has seen the impact of economic disparity firsthand, I believe this bill offers a practical solution to help struggling communities thrive.

​Additionally, HB 1210 promotes balanced economic development across our state. Instead of allowing prosperity to be concentrated in a few regions, this bill ensures that all communities have the chance to grow and succeed. By supporting this legislation, we are taking a step toward reducing regional disparities and building a more equitable future for Washington State. I urge you to support HB 1210 and help bring meaningful economic change to communities that need it most.

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce is deeply concerned about Senate Bill 5041, which proposes extending unemployment insurance (UI) benefits to workers on strike and urge your opposition. This bill could significantly increase the financial burden on small businesses, as they would be required to fund UI benefits for striking workers, even though they are not unemployed due to economic downturns or layoffs.

The additional costs associated with this bill could lead to higher unemployment insurance premiums for all employers, regardless of their involvement in labor disputes. For small businesses operating on tight margins, these increased expenses may force them to make difficult decisions such as reducing the workforce or delaying growth plans. In turn, this could hinder job creation and negatively impact the local economy.

Furthermore, providing unemployment benefits to striking workers may prolong labor disputes as the financial pressure to reach a resolution is lessened. Extended strikes can disrupt local communities and economies, affecting not only businesses directly involved but also other small enterprises that rely on the patronage of these workers. This bill could inadvertently create an uneven playing field, placing small businesses at a disadvantage compared with larger corporations with more resources to absorb these additional costs.

​Please help small businesses in Washington State and oppose Senate Bill 5041

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce is opposed to House Bill 1217, which aims to cap annual rent increases at 7%, could have unintended negative consequences on affordable housing and the rental market in Washington State. By limiting the potential return on investment for property owners, this bill may discourage developers from building new rental units, thereby exacerbating the existing housing shortage.

Additionally, small landlords, who often provide more affordable housing options, might struggle to cover the maintenance and operational costs under these restrictions. This financial strain could force them to sell their properties or convert them to other uses, further reducing the availability of affordable rentals. The rent cap may also result in landlords automatically increasing rent by 7% every year, whether it is needed.

Moreover, capping rent increases could lead to a decrease in the quality of rental housing. With their limited ability to adjust rents in response to rising expenses, landlords may be less inclined to invest in property upkeep and improvements, resulting in deteriorating living conditions for tenants.Please oppose House Bill 1217.

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.  

Key Provisions of HB 1210:
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• 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

Please vote no on HB 1491. While high-density, high-quality development near transit stops is an important goal for the state, this legislation takes the wrong approach by mandating housing development in ways that may hinder rather than help.

Without meaningful incentives, compelling developers to build housing that is not financially viable could discourage private investment altogether.

This risks leaving projects incomplete or reducing the quality and affordability of housing built. To achieve effective and equitable transit-oriented development, we must focus on creating policies that attract investment through incentives rather than imposing rigid requirements that may have negative consequences for our communities.Thank you and I ask you to please vote no on HB 1491.