Harmsworth Reviews Legislative Issues

Mark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center was the guest speaker at the Chamber’s Government Affairs committee meeting in September. As Director of its Center for Small Business, he laid out key issues he anticipates to be addressed during the next state legislative session.

Although it’s just a few long weeks for the legislature, several issues are vying for urgency and attention. A few of those priorities relevant to business include:

• The capital gains tax created by SB 5096 is likely to undergo revisions while being challenged in court simultaneously by a lawsuit that contends it imposes an illegal income tax.

• Another unpopular bill the becomes effective January 1 relates to long-term care tax. It is likely to be positioned to allow for a voluntary opt-out.

• It is expected that legislators will do what they can to lessen the effect of unemployment insurance rate increases upon employers.

• Eviction issues remain in the spotlight as national proposal Keeping Renters Safe Act is considered that could protect renters even longer.

• There is currently bipartisan support for putting limits on our governor’s emergency powers and restoring balance by reverting such powers to legislature after 30 days. Bills introduced to reform such powers were rejected before the last session adjourned.

Mark Harmsworth is the Director of the Small Business Center for Washington Policy Center. He was elected in 2014 to the Washington State House of Representatives where he served two terms. His focus was on transportation and technology, including serving as the ranking member on the House Transportation Committee. You can learn more about him and the Washington Policy Center online.