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The Coalition develops a variety of annual publications and brings lawmakers and business leaders together through events and activities.
The Coalition’s membership consists of 10 Eastside Chambers:
Bellevue, Bothell, Issaquah, Kirkland, Maple Valley - Black Diamond, Newcastle, Redmond, Sammamish, Snoqualmie Valley, and Woodinville
The Coalition represents over 23,000 businesses employing over 340,000 people and continues to make a positive impact on business issues in Olympia.
Click here for the 2011 Legislative Agenda
2011 Legislative Update Week 2 January 21: Kevin Kelley
OVERVIEW
"Amid the worst economic climate in eight decades, our challenge is to actually transform Washington state government. Voters sent us here to lead, to solve problems, to work together, to get things done and to be bold." – Governor Chris Gregoire
The Legislative session produced more activity this week as committees met more regularly and a flurry of legislation was introduced. Lawmakers are also approaching deadlines to deal with a temporary cap on unemployment insurance taxes and a supplemental budget to close the remaining budget shortfall. Governor Gregoire and legislators are seeking new ways to do business and to look for cost savings in government. Spending proposals, including the supplemental budget, continue to focus on areas to cut rather than raising new revenue. Meanwhile, the debate begins anew over whether the state should put tolls on the I-405 corridor from Renton to Bellevue after Representative Judy Clibborn introduced legislation (HB 1382), which would implement high occupancy tolls on the corridor.
Click here for specific Legislation of interest to the Coalition Week 2
2011 Legislative Update Week 1 January : Kevin Kelley
OVERVIEW
The 105-day Legislative Session began on Monday as lawmakers from around the state convened in Olympia to address the many issues facing our state. Governor Chris Gregoire gave her State of the State address on Tuesday, highlighting her key priorities for the Legislative Session as well as how to address the budget shortfall. The Governor came out with proposals such as creating a Department of Education and turning control of the state’s ferry system over to some counties by creating a Regional Ferry District.
Most committees still are being briefed on the Gregoire’s budget and are hearing introductory presentations, though some have begun holding hearings on bills. Most notably, the House Labor and Workforce Committee is holding hearings on changing unemployment insurance. While a number of measures will continue through the process that have a significant impact on business, the Coalition will closely monitor these issues and advocate for or against legislation as appropriate. As more information is introduced and legislation works its way through the process we encourage every chamber to take action and make their voices heard on behalf of Eastside businesses.
This update is the first in a series of weekly updates to keep you up to date on what is happening in Olympia. While legislation and potential for large-scale action may not be currently available, we will continue to build on these opportunities as the session progresses. If you are aware of legislation we should be following that is not included, please let me know. We encourage you to always visit the “Action you can take” section at the bottom to learn more about how to shape decisions in our state government.
Click here for specific Legislation of interest to the Coalition Week 1
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