Thank you for Passing Transportation Package

President Praises Transpo Package

Tom Pierson, President and CEO of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber stated, “We applaud the bi-partisan leadership in the State Senate with the release of their transportation package. This significant step moves us closer to ensuring more jobs in our state -- we must make investments to be more globally competitive.”

UPDATE: 2-17-2015
Details of the Senate Transportation Package available HERE.

The State Senate Leadership’s package includes $1.9 billion for completion of SR 167 and another $450 million for improvements to the I-5 corridor adjacent to JBLM.  Completion of 167 will provide jobs to our workers and increase our global competitiveness.  The I-5 corridor serves both our tremendous interstate commerce and our region’s largest employer – JBLM.

It would also provide authority for Sound Transit to seek a ballot measure for ST-3, as well as local options for other needs in the region. 

Chamber Announces 2015 Leg Agenda

The Washington State Legislature convenes January 12, for a regular session scheduled to end April 27.  No one is betting they’ll make that date given the $2 billion budget shortfall currently forecast as well as the burden of an additional $2 billion to meet the class size demands of I-1351 recently passed by voters.

Nonetheless, legislators will grapple with many issues addressing needs of all constituents.  The Chamber is prepared, thanks to the work of its members who volunteer for the Government Affairs Committee, as an active advocate for local businesses.  Here is our Agenda for 2015:

2015 Legislative Agenda

GUIDING PRINCIPLES 

The Legislature should strive for the creation and retention of private sector jobs by adopting a sustainable budget that prioritizes spending and implements spending controls and reforms that will provide long-term financial stability, while at the same time adopting legislation that will streamline regulatory policies that positively impacts the economy, promotes job growth, enhances the business climate and closes our education and workforce  gaps in the globally competitive environment.

GOAL - GROW BUSINESSES AND CREATE JOBS

Improve the business climate and increase the number of jobs in Pierce County.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Chamber supports the following principles:

Legislation that positively impacts the economy, promotes job growth and enhances the business climate so that all Pierce County businesses can continue to be successful and globally competitive.

Support Military-Community compatible land use proposals to support the military mission of defense installations identified in such documentation of the 2005 BRAC Report and the upcoming JBLM Joint Land Use Study (JLUS).  In continuing support for the Washington Military Alliance, the Chamber supports continued funding for the Department of Commerce’s Military Sector Lead and policies that recognize military bases as economic and service centers within our region.

Permitting and Regulations - Regulatory reform efforts that decrease duplication, increase predictability and decrease the cost of permitting and regulations.

I-937 – Reasonable changes to I-937 that support Pierce County businesses and/or utilities and their previous investments made to comply with the Initiative. Support policies that incentivize and further the safe, reliable and efficient use of electricity and natural gas transportation in Washington State to ensure that these alternative fuels are taxed in parity with traditional transportation fuels.

TRANSPORTATION

Pass a transportation funding and expenditure package, together with reforms, that will complete Pierce County transportation projects that have already been pledged, are currently in design or scheduled for construction and projects that improve freight mobility and system reliability.

Top Priority Project

SR 167 – Full funding to complete construction of SR 167.

Other Priority Projects

• Local roads, arterials and transit – Support local transportation infrastructure investments in Pierce County that improve freight mobility and systems reliability for workers.
• JBLM – I-5 Corridor, SR 512/I-5, Cross-Base Highway (I-704). East Pierce – SR 162/410 Corridor Study
• Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) – Support legislation that encourages the use of multimodal commutes including the continuation of the CTR credit for businesses that provide benefits to their employees to ease traffic congestion.

HEALTHCARE

Washington has been a leader in delivering effective medical care. We are home to provider organizations that have developed innovations that have improved life expectancy and the quality of life worldwide. As implementation of the Affordable Care Act continues, the legislature should make every effort to build on those strengths while expanding options for consumers and avoid all efforts that would impose duplicative governing structures or mandates and restrictions on the ability of providers to care for their patients, regardless of their income status.

Support policy that will encourage or expand medical services, especially in rural areas of the state so that specialty services not readily available in the region, like telemedicine, and preserve Association Health Plans (AHPs) as a viable market option.

WORKFORCE TRAINING   &   EDUCATION

Support policies and investments  that maintain and enhance jobs in Pierce County and that directly support local flexibility in workforce development and job training programs through entities including workforce development councils, school districts, community-based institutions, community and technical colleges, UWT,  the other four-year colleges and apprenticeship programs.

Boost student success and employability by legislation that promotes, expands and emphasizes job training in high demand fields - especially science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curricula.

Veterans - Support policies that facilitate the employment for and transitioning of military personnel, veterans and military spouses and their children into a civilian environment by: the adoption of policies including, but not limited to, those that grant college credits for previous military work, training or experience; making it less cumbersome to obtain professional certificates and/or licensure    for demonstrated equivalent ability or competencies, and encouraging skills translation portals; and supporting positive military child education initiatives.

Education

Support policies that encourage innovative learning models, like Charter Schools, and provide the greatest student achievement and performance-based management policies for teachers and principals. Funding investments should be made in programs that have demonstrated an ability to enhance student learning that are coupled with clear expectations of outcomes and performance measures. Expand science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs at all levels of K-12 education.

Support the state constitutional requirement for provision of basic education for all children so that an appropriate allocation of resources and any corresponding expectations that come with such funding - such as local control by the principal, performance reviews, higher pay for positions of higher demand, etc. to comply with the Supreme Court’s McCleary decisions.

Support Capital and Operational funding and expenditures that increase economic development opportunity and training capacity in secondary and post-secondary education and the connectivity between them and that create jobs in Pierce County.

PRIORITIES OF GOVERNMENT
Wage and Hour Reform / Mandatory Paid Time Off

Support reforms to the minimum wage laws, like adoption of a training wage, that promote job growth and benefit business in Pierce County – especially reforms to the automatic minimum wage accelerator.

Encourage the greatest possible consistency between state and federal wage laws - limit more restrictive state-based standards. Oppose localized minimum wage laws and mandatory paid leave proposals and support appropriate state-wide reforms in such areas that encourage the growth of current and the location of new businesses in Pierce County.

Environment and Climate Change

Washington’s share of the world’s GHG emissions is less than three-tenths of one percent (.003), causing a negligible impact on climate change. State policy makers should not be more aggressive than their counterparts in other states by adopting climate change-related policies, especially in the land-use and transportation areas, that will adversely impact the construction industry and our transportation infrastructure. Enactment of any such additional policies to directly or indirectly regulate GHG emissions threatens investments, especially capital investments, in Washington’s economy.  Support policies that improve and incentivize use of alternative fuels and the infrastructure necessary to supply those fuels in Washington. Efforts to impose GHG policies that go beyond those required by the Clean Air Act, like carbon tax schemes and other GHG  pricing mechanisms, will be opposed Environmental Regulatory Reform. State government land use and environmental review processes should be streamlined to the fullest extent possible to eliminate unnecessary delay, duplication, and expense. Policies should place greater emphasis on providing technical assistance to the regulated community to increase voluntary compliance with existing regulations without increasing reliance on jurisdictional or enforcement authority.

Support efforts that expand upon Washington’s current innovation sectors; encourage, incentivize and support research and development for new and emerging technologies that reduce GHG and create  jobs in Washington.

Government Efficiency

Workers’ Compensation - L&I efficiencies

Allow for the “right-sizing” of Washington’s broad statutory definition and coverage of “occupation disease” by:

·         restoring the original intent of the law that the system cover work-related exposures and conditions;

·         expand the use and administrative simplicity of the claims resolution settlement option;

·          enhance appropriate claims management authority for retrospective ratings groups and self-insured employers:

·         address the high incidence and cost of occupation disease claims and the extremely complex process for calculating benefit levels 

Support objective and independent hearing reviews and appeals without agency intervention wherein all agency hearings and appeals will be addressed by an administrative law judge assigned through the Office of Administrative Hearings or a separate independent state agency and not within the agency being reviewed. 

Unemployment Insurance - Preserve previously adopted legislative changes   and oppose increasing unemployment insurance rates, encourage the adoption of cost controls within the unemployment insurance system, avoid benefit enhancements and eligibility standards and support the maintaining of reasonable reserves and like efforts to reduce the cost to business.

Oppose fund transfers from dedicated funds and accounts to the general fund or unrelated programs and purposes.

Tax and Fiscal Policy

Support efforts to achieve a balanced state budget while promoting economic development opportunities, job growth and strengthened competitiveness

Reduce and Simplify the Tax Code

Support tax code administrative simplification that reduces administrative costs and tax burdens to Pierce County’s businesses. Require cities with license requirements to participate in the master business license application and reduce regulatory red tape and paperwork burdens that face businesses

Taxes and Fees

Retain, extend and expand tax incentives that benefit the economy and support job growth in Pierce County and support  legislation that positively impacts the economy, job growth and Pierce County businesses like permanently extending the expiring (12/31/14) high technology research and development B&O and sales/use tax incentives, making tax-increment-financing an available economic development tool while preserving property tax principles and proposals that would allow entity-owned recreational boats from out of state the same privileges as boats from out-of-state owned in an individual capacity.

Update:  Jan. 16, 2015

Tacoma Citizens Asked How to Balance Budget

As the City of Tacoma develops its 2015-2016 Biennial Budget, members of the community are invited to participate in the following upcoming budget input meetings:



Revenues are projected to grow at 2 percent, but expenses are projected to grow at a faster rate.  In order to maintain the levels of service provided by the City’s General Fund today, the difference between revenues and expenses is projected to be approximately $6 million in 2015-2016. This shortfall increases substantially if the City were to address deferred maintenance issues that have been delayed and provide funding for other capital and services.

The City is looking for ways to close the gap between revenues and expenditures by balancing the need for savings with the effective delivery of core services. Additionally, the City is working to prioritize funding between existing services, deferred maintenance, and new and expanded services.

A second series of Budget Input Meetings is anticipated to begin in mid-October, shortly after a Proposed 2015 – 2016 Biennial Budget has been transmitted to the City Council.

Chamber Encourages Gov. Inslee to Sign for Law School

The greater Tacoma and South Sound community is working hard to raise the funds necessary to launch the planned law school at the University of Washington Tacoma.

The legislature stepped up in a bi-partisan way to provide seed funding in the state’s budget. Many are encouraging Gov. Jay Inslee to sign the budget inclusive of the $400,000 line item.

State's Business Leadership Wants Transpo Package

The state's business leadership is sending a letter to the Governor and "4-corner" leadership responding to Thursday’s announcement on transportation funding. 

The message is simple and short - the need and time is now, please continue to negotiate a package and business stands ready to work with the Legislature and Governor.

(Click on Image for a Larger and Complete View)

Half of Senate Offers Up to Second Half & House

In the first significant development of the new legislative session, WA Senate Transportation Co-chair Curtis King unveiled a transportation package of projects, mixes roads and transit, funding sources and reforms.  The other half of the Senate and the House are being given a challenge and a target.

Links to more detailed Information:

Draft Sources & Uses Proposal Final Detail

Proposed Legislative Reforms Final

Non-Highway Projects & Local Options:

Revenues & Expenditures Balance Sheet

Transportation Package Coalition Speaks Up

The state's coalition for a transportation package is continuing its advocacy for adoption by the current legislature a comprehensive package this session. 

Chamber Supports Three Local School District Levies

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Board of Directors has endorsed the upcoming school levy ballot issues of three local districts.

Bethel, Franklin Pierce and Tacoma School Districts each have two propositions, (one for operations and one for technology improvements) referred to voters for approval on the February 11, 2014 election.  All but one of these levies is a replacement for expiring or cancelled levies already adopted by voters. 

The one new levy is Bethel School District’s Prop. 2, for technology.  Jennifer Bethman, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools, told the Chamber’s Board that Bethel School District has a great deal of catching up to do to provide modern technology equipment and instruction for its students.

"When we vote for the coming school levies, we agree that our children need the educational resources necessary to form their abilities to responsibly think, solve and create within the constant flux of our living and working world,” said Jeff Brown, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Chair.

Brian Haynes, the Chamber’s Immediate-Past Chair and Co-Chair for YES on Props. 1 and 2, Tacoma Citizens for Schools, said, “Props. 1 and 2 are about providing all kids with the quality and up-to-date education they deserve. They need the ever-more challenging technology skills increasingly demanded in jobs.”

The Chamber’s Board noted that the State Legislature has begun to assume its paramount duty to amply fund the education of all K-12 students.  The State Supreme Court has set a compliance date of 2018.  All these proposed levies will expire in 2018.

County Council Has Final Public Comment on Budget

The Pierce County Council invites public comment on its 2014 budget.

The Pierce County Council is poised to approve a 2014 budget that strives to improve the responsiveness of local government, invests in community programs and maintains a stable financial position.

The Council approved the budget on second reading by a 7-0 vote on Nov. 12. The Council scheduled its final vote for Tuesday, Nov. 19 to give the public time to comment.

Highlights include:

•    Funding for a deputy prosecutor who will handle cases involving elder fraud and abuse.
•    Opening a new Sheriff’s precinct in the Parkland/Spanaway area, which has waited years for a more visible law enforcement presence.
•    Dedicating fees from building permits to a special fund – rather than the General Fund - so that the Planning and Land Services Department has the right amount of staff to provide timely service as applications increase.
•    Financial and performance audits of the Pierce County Jail to help identify cost savings so it can attract more contract business from other jurisdictions.
•    Money for senior centers throughout Pierce County that provide meals and other services to the elderly.

“The economic outlook for Pierce County continues to improve,” said Council Chair Joyce McDonald (District 2). “Revenues from sales and property taxes are up, thanks to an increase in construction and consumer activity. Our conservative budgeting in recent years has left us in a stable and secure financial position, particularly because our employees found innovative ways to streamline operations.”

The General Fund, which pays for most general government services, would drop from approximately $275 million this year to $271.1 million due to the transfer of building permit fees to the special revenue fund. Total spending for 2014 amounts to $978.1 million, which includes $151 million for sewer construction as the county expands the Chambers Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant to accommodate growth in the region.

The budget funds 3,007 full-time equivalent positions, which is 481 fewer than in 2008. The budget includes a 1.88% cost of living adjustment for employees, the first such adjustment in three years.

There are 18 ordinances in the budget package. The main ordinance, covering the General Fund, is 2012-67s2.

The Council invites public comment by using the “contact us” link here or by calling (253) 798-7777. The Nov. 19 meeting begins at 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located on the 10th floor of the County-City Building, 930 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma.

Once the Council approves a budget, Executive Pat McCarthy will have 10 days to sign or veto it.

Moody's Interprets Prop 1

Today's The News Tribune editorial referred to a Moody's report about implications of Tacoma's Prop 1 and how it affects rates.

Here's a concise interpretation from reading the report, which you can also do below:

PROP 1 PASSES
Action:  Pass-on 2% tax increase -> rates increase
Action: Don't pass-on 2% tax increase -> bond rating falls -> rates increase

PROP 1 FAILS
Action: No tax increase -> no rate increase

Republicans Open Survey on Transportation Package

Washington State's House of Representatives Republicans have launched a short survey on a potential transportation revenue package.

Please take a moment to fill out the survey and share the link with others— it’s here!

TNT Editorial Opposes Tacoma Prop. 1

The News Tribune joins a growing opposition to Tacoma’s Prop. 1.

We agree with their comments:  “Tacoma has shockingly bad streets and a shocking history of failing to invest in them … (but) Tacoma voters should hold on Prop. 1 and wait for city leaders to figure out a street-funding solution that fits into a larger, strategic budget solution."

No on Tacoma’s Prop. 1 utility tax  The News Tribune, October 20, 2013 

Is Your Business Impacted by the Federal Government Shut-Down

Has your business been impacted by the federal government shutdown?

Some have.  It goes beyond the question of procurement and payment for goods and services.  There are certifications and reports from federal sources that are in due diligence and other documentary requirements.

Let Gary Brackett, 253-682-1720 know if your business is impacted in any way.

Businesses Speak to Congress on Budget Dance

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber joined nearly 240 now 251 groups rallied by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, signing a letter this Friday afternoon pushing Congress to avoid a government shutdown and to move fast to raise the debt ceiling.

 “It is not in the best interest of the employers, employees or the American people to risk a government shutdown that will be economically disruptive and create even more uncertainties for the U.S. economy,” the groups wrote. In addition to the Chamber, Airlines for America, Business Roundtable, Consumer Bankers Association, Edison Electric Institute, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, the Real Estate Roundtable, U.S. Travel Association and United States Telecom Association were among the large trade associations signing the letter.

The call for action comes as the Senate voted to send back a $986 billion spending bill, after stripping out language that defunds Obamacare. It’s unclear how the House will move next. Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) struggled to get enough votes to pass a bill that would raise the debt ceiling and Republican leadership has not yet laid out a path forward on the spending bill. Unless Congress acts, government funding ends Sept. 30, which would force a shutdown.

The business groups’ letter also offers a counter narrative to the pressure outside conservative groups like Senate Conservative Fund and Heritage Action are putting on members to defund Obamacare even if it causes a government shutdown.

“We appreciate fully the importance of restraining federal spending, both discretionary spending and mandatory spending, to reduce federal budget deficits, contain the growth of federal debt, and thereby re-establish fiscal discipline in the near-term and for the long haul,” the groups wrote. “However, with the U.S. economy continuing to under perform, the federal government needs to maintain its normal operations pending a successful outcome of broader budgetary reforms.

They also called for government to overhaul entitlement programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

“Congress cannot continue ‘kicking the can down the road;’ it’s time to take corrective action to address the unaffordable path of entitlement spending, to stabilize federal finances and to undertake fundamental tax reform to strengthen the American economy,” they wrote.

UPDATE (Sept. 30, 2013):  Now totaling 251 organizations, these signing organizations are added to the multi-industry coalition letter sent to Congress last Friday include:

Agricultural Retailers Association

Air Conditioning Contractors of America

California Chamber of Commerce

Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce - IL

Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce – CA

Greater Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce – FL

Greater North Dakota Chamber

Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce – PA

Maui Chamber of Commerce – HI

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce – AL
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce – IL

National Marine Distributors Association (NMDA)

North Carolina Chamber

Northwest Food Processors Association

Outdoor Power Equipment and Engine Service Association (OPEESA)

Port Hueneme Chamber of Commerce – CA