NFIB Small Business Day, February 4, Olympia

Small Business Day in Olympia: A Celebration of Advocacy

washington’s small business community is gearing up for an exciting and impactful event: Small Business Day in Olympia! This annual tradition gives small business owners and advocates a chance to voice their concerns,celebrate their achievements,and connect with lawmakers on a deeper level.

Throughout February,a flurry of important legislation is being debated in the state Capitol,with notable implications for small businesses. This year, issues like paid family and medical leave, wage replacement programs for excluded workers, and apprenticeship programs are at the forefront of the discussion.

Samantha Hayes, representing the Washington State Small Business Association, highlights the importance of this legislative session for small businesses. “This is a crucial time for small businesses to make their voices heard and ensure their interests are represented in the laws being passed,” she emphasizes. “We are actively working with lawmakers to address key concerns and advocate for policies that support small business growth and success.”

One bill garnering particular attention is Senate Bill 5378, which proposes grants for the paid Family and Medical Leave Programme.House Bill 1773,another noteworthy piece of legislation,aims to establish a wage replacement program for excluded workers,offering financial security during times of unemployment.

But it’s not all about major legislation. Small business owners want to see practical solutions that directly benefit their day-to-day operations.

“We’re looking at bills like Senate Bill 5626 and House Bill 1533,which address issues like worker compensation and apprenticeship programs,” Samantha explains. “These initiatives can have a direct impact on our ability to recruit and retain talent, manage costs effectively, and ultimately grow our businesses.”

For those eager to make a difference, Samantha offers insightful advice: “Engage with your elected officials! Attend town hall meetings, write letters, or even schedule a meeting to discuss your concerns and priorities.Every voice counts, and your participation can make a real difference in shaping policies that impact your business.

The message to lawmakers from small business owners is clear: “We need policies that support our growth, protect our employees, and foster a thriving business habitat,” Samantha concludes. With Small Business Day in Olympia approaching, the stage is set for a powerful display of advocacy, bringing the needs and aspirations of Washington’s small business community to the forefront.

Advocating for Small Business: NFIB Makes its Voice heard in Olympia

Washington’s small business community is gearing up for a crucial moment this February with the annual Small Business Day at the Capitol. Taking place on February 4th at the DoubleTree hotel in downtown Olympia, the event promises to be a dynamic platform for impactful discussions and legislative insights.

“We look forward to welcoming you to Olympia for Small Business Day,” organizers share. “This is your chance to be a part of shaping the future of our state’s business landscape.”

The day kicks off at 8:30 am with registration and a full program starting promptly at 9:00 am. Attendees will benefit from a stellar lineup of guest speakers, including Senate Republican leader John Braun, Senate Ways & means Committee ranking member Chris Gildon, House transportation Committee ranking member Andrew Barkis, and Health Exchange CEO Ingrid Ulrey.

Following a packed morning of insightful presentations, attendees will head to the heart of government at the Capitol building for a lunchtime networking session. The afternoon will be dedicated to observing committee hearings and engaging directly with legislators.

This valuable opportunity is completely free to attend, and spaces are still available. with timely registration being crucial, attendees are also advised to plan for extra travel time due to anticipated snow in Olympia throughout the weekend and into Monday.

“Artificially increasing the cost of care will make health insurance even more expensive, placing it further out of reach for many Washington small business owners and their employees,” the NFIB warned.

This event presents a unique opportunity for the washington business community to make a tangible difference in shaping the state’s future.

Beyond the Capitol gathering, the National Federation of Self-reliant Business (NFIB) has been actively engaged in crucial legislative battles impacting Washington small businesses throughout the past week.

The NFIB voiced strong support for House Bill 1382, which aims to modernize the state’s all Payer Claims Database (APCD). “NFIB led the coalition that established the APCD nearly a decade ago and continues to promote its use to better inform policymakers, employers, and consumers about health-care costs and quality,” said a NFIB spokesperson.

Conversely, the NFIB took a firm stance against House Bill 1430.This measure would mandate that health insurers pay ARNPs (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners) and physician assistants at the same rate as doctors. The NFIB emphasized, “We noted that these increases would drive up health insurance premiums and cost-sharing even higher for consumers, especially considering health insurance costs are already the number one issue for small businesses nationwide for nearly 40 years,” citing their Problems & Priorities report.

They further highlighted a concerning trend: small employers in Washington offering health insurance to their workers has dropped from a longstanding average of 40-45% to just 31%.

The NFIB also voiced opposition to Senate Bill 5043,the Senate version of a bill that would allow corrections workers to file PTSD claims under the state’s workers’ compensation system. The NFIB raised concerns about these claims, underscoring their commitment to advocating for the best interests of small businesses in Washington.

Key Washington State Bills to Watch in February

The Washington State Legislature is heating up, with several critically important bills poised to make waves in February. These pieces of legislation will impact businesses, workers, and the state’s economic landscape, making it crucial to stay informed. Here’s a look at some of the key bills you shoudl be watching:

Labor & Commerce (Senate)

The Senate Labor & Commerce Committee will be tackling a range of important issues, including access to paid leave and potential changes to worker classification. Here are a couple of bills that have drawn significant attention:

Monday, February 3, 10:30 a.m.: senate Bill 5378: Paid Family and Medical Leave Program Grants

This bill aims to expand access to grants within Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) insurance program,specifically targeting small school districts. However, critics argue that taxpayer-funded public employers shouldn’t receive grants designed for private-sector businesses, especially when those businesses haven’t yet been able to access them.

“ESD has been unable to implement the small business grant program required under the PFML law since 2020,” they critique. “Taxpayer-funded public employers like school districts should not receive grants designed for small, private-sector employers, particularly when those intended recipients still can’t access those grants themselves.”

Tuesday, February 4, 10:30 a.m.: Senate Bill 5626: Wage Replacement Program for undocumented Workers

This controversial proposal seeks to establish a new tax to fund a wage replacement program for undocumented workers in Washington. Opponents argue that this would circumvent federal law, which prohibits undocumented workers from receiving unemployment benefits.

“Washington employers should not be taxed to create a program intended to circumvent federal law, which prohibits workers not legally present in the US from receiving unemployment benefits,” they contend. “The bill takes great efforts to hide the identity of prospective claimants, going so far as to forbid contacting the alleged employer of record to verify whether the individual ever worked for the employer, or has been laid off, terminated, or otherwise separated from their job. A fiscal note detailing the cost of the proposed program is not available.The house version, HB 1773, will be heard together.”

Labor & Workplace Standards (House)

The House Labor & workplace Standards Committee will also be considering a number of impactful bills, focusing on worker training, apprenticeship programs, and expanded access to benefits.Here are a couple to keep an eye on:

Tuesday, February 4, 10:30 a.m.: House Bill 1533: Specialty Electrician Apprenticeship Program

This bill seeks to allow specialty electricians to continue working under a valid specialty certificate of competency while enrolled in a journey-level apprenticeship program.

Tuesday,february 4,10:30 a.m.: House Bill 1773: Wage Replacement Program for Excluded Workers

This bill proposes a wage replacement program for certain Washington workers excluded from unemployment insurance.

These bills are just a snapshot of the important legislative discussions happening in Washington State. Stay tuned for updates and further analysis as these bills progress through the legislative process.

Lobbying Efforts Focus on Key Issues as Washington Legislature Gathers Speed

The Washington State Legislature is buzzing with activity as lawmakers grapple with a number of crucial bills that could considerably impact various sectors,particularly small businesses.Two proposals in particular are drawing intense scrutiny: one concerning school district financing and the other addressing property taxes.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is leading the charge against lowering the super-majority voting requirement for bond and levy approvals in school districts. They argue that such a change would disproportionately burden commercial and industrial property owners, who frequently enough have higher valuations but may not reside within the same school district. “The existing super-majority vote is the only means of balancing the rights of property owners against renters and homeowners whose share of tax collections might potentially be substantially lower than those of commercial and industrial property owners,” the NFIB asserts, urging supporters to make their voices heard at upcoming committee hearings.

Meanwhile, the tech sector is also feeling the heat. Senate Bill 5423, which aims to promote the “right to repair” for products with digital electronics, is facing a critical test in the Habitat, Energy & Technology Committee. Advocates believe this bill has the potential to empower consumers and foster competition in the repair market. “The membership of this panel changed this year, giving us the opportunity to finally pass our Right to Repair bill out of committee.We need a strong showing of our members in support of this priority bill,” a statement from the bill’s supporters emphasizes the importance of public engagement.

Washington Small Business Week: Key Bills to Watch

Washington’s 2025 legislative session is heating up, and small businesses are facing crucial decisions that could shape their future. Next week promises to be particularly busy, with several bills on the agenda that could significantly affect the operations of small employers.

House bill 1626, focusing on expanding access to grants within the paid family and medical leave insurance program for smaller school districts, is scheduled for a hearing. Small businesses interested in voicing their opinions can participate remotely. Interested parties can learn more and submit their testimonies at this link.

Another bill generating significant discussion is Senate Bill 5548, concerning workers’ compensation benefits. This bill proposes adding a payment to injured workers’ compensation for health insurance premiums, or requiring employers to maintain workers’ health insurance throughout their recovery period.

“This places tremendous additional costs on the system, which will increase workers’ compensation taxes over time. It places new burdens on employers, injured workers, and their families at what could be one of the most tough times for that family. The bill is a disincentive for small employers to offer health insurance benefits,”

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has voiced concerns about this bill, emphasizing its potential negative impact on small businesses. They encourage small business owners to attend Small Business Day on tuesday, February 7th, to make their voices heard.

Washington Small Businesses Brace for Legislative Push

As the 2025 Washington State Legislative session kicks off, small business owners are closely watching a number of bills with potential to significantly impact their operations. Samantha hayes, spokesperson for the Washington State Small business Association, sat down with Archyde to discuss these key issues and how small businesses can make their voices heard.

“Two bills are particularly important this year,” Hayes notes. “First, House Bill 1626 seeks to expand access to grants within the paid family and medical leave insurance program. While we support the concept of supporting small employers, we’re concerned that the current proposal doesn’t adequately account for the unique challenges faced by small businesses.”

The association’s main concern with HB 1626 is that the added costs associated with the grants could put undue pressure on small businesses already grappling with rising operational costs. Hayes emphasizes the need for targeted support measures that address the specific needs of small employers without placing an unfair burden on them.

Senate Bill 5548 presents another challenge for small businesses. While the bill aims to provide fair compensation for injured workers, it proposes adding a payment to their benefits for health insurance premiums. “This added cost could be crippling for many small businesses, especially those with limited budgets,” Hayes warns. “It raises the cost of doing business and puts additional pressure on small employers.”

“First and foremost, engage with lawmakers directly,” Hayes urges small business owners who want to influence these bills. “Those unable to attend in person can register their position on these priority bills online.”

Staying informed about legislative developments is crucial, and the NFIB provides regular updates on significant bills, encouraging active participation in shaping policy decisions.

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How might the proposed changes in HB 1626 and SB 5548 affect the financial viability of small businesses in Washington State?

Washington Small Businesses Brace for Legislative Push

As the 2025 Washington State Legislative session kicks off, small business owners are closely watching a number of bills with potential to significantly impact their operations. Samantha Hayes, spokesperson for the Washington State Small Business Association, sat down with Archyde to discuss these key issues and how small businesses can make their voices heard.

“Two bills are notably critically important this year,” Hayes notes. “First, House Bill 1626 seeks to expand access to grants within the paid family and medical leave insurance program. While we support the concept of supporting small employers, we’re concerned that the current proposal doesn’t adequately account for the unique challenges faced by small businesses.”

The association’s main concern with HB 1626 is that the added costs associated with the grants could put undue pressure on small businesses already grappling with rising operational costs. Hayes emphasizes the need for targeted support measures that address the specific needs of small employers without placing an unfair burden on them.

Senate Bill 5548 presents another challenge for small businesses. While the bill aims to provide fair compensation for injured workers, it proposes adding a payment to their benefits for health insurance premiums. “This added cost could be crippling for many small businesses, especially those with limited budgets,” Hayes warns. “It raises the cost of doing business and puts additional pressure on small employers.”

“First and foremost, engage with lawmakers directly,” Hayes urges small business owners who want to influence these bills. “Those unable to attend in person can register their position on these priority bills online.”

Staying informed about legislative developments is crucial, and the NFIB provides regular updates on notable bills, encouraging active participation in shaping policy decisions.