washington business
Editorial Scorecard
Business groups tally wins as Washington state legislative session ends
A bill that would cap the amount landlords could raise rent within a year is one of several housing affordability measures that failed to pass in the 2024 Washington state Legislative Session , which ended March 7 …
Kris Johnson , president of the Association of Washington Business , issued a statement saying his organization was “ relieved ” the measure , and several others , failed .
— Puget Sound Business Journal , March 11
‘ We were so close ’: Push for unemployment benefits for striking workers fails in Legislature
Unemployment benefits for striking workers won ’ t be available in Washington anytime soon .
House Bill 1893 failed to make it to the Senate floor before a key cutoff deadline on Friday afternoon , sinking the bill for this year …
The business community , ( Sen . Karen ) Keiser said , “ universally opposed ” the legislation and was not interested in negotiating . Republicans and some Democrats also opposed the bill , citing the potential burden on the state ’ s unemployment insurance system , which employers fund through tax payments . — Washington State Standard , March 1
WA Legislature wraps up with bills on the cutting room floor , half of initiatives cleared
On their last day in the Capitol on Thursday , state legislators agreed to create a retirement savings program for Washington workers who don ’ t have access to one through their jobs , exempted more child care providers from the state ’ s business and occupation tax , among other bills .
It was a fairly quiet end to a session where the progressive wing of the Democratic majority didn ’ t get quite as much across the finish line as they wanted , leaving town with substantial bills on the cutting room floor . — The Seattle Times , March 7
Big bills , tense debates , lawmaker departures : Takeaways from Washington state ’ s 2024 legislative session
Washington ’ s 60-day legislative session has ended . Sprits were high in Olympia Thursday as lawmakers adjourned “ sine die .” Many legislators donned sequin or sparkly accessories , joking that they were about to adjourn “ shiny die .”
On a serious note , legislators made progress throughout the session on several priorities for Democrats and Republicans alike , including measures to address the opioid crisis , education needs and behavior health …
… Gov . Jay Inslee , who ’ s leaving office when his term ends in early 2025 , told reporters that he ’ s impressed with what the Legislature got done this year .
“ I think this was another step forward in many ways , multiple ways . I would consider it a banner year in a short session ,” Inslee said …
Even with some of the more controversial bills that did pass , Republican Senate Leader John Braun ( R-Centralia ) said earlier this week that from his point of view , this session went pretty well .
“ Good session for Republicans , yeah . Great session for the people of Washington , absolutely ,” Braun said . — Jeanie Lindsay , KUOW , March 7 special edition 2024 5