What does regulatory reform look like to you?
“ It leverages the talent of the industries and supply chain that integrate into our education system … Reform is innovation.”
— Olympia Business Owner
Carbon Tax
In 2016, several attempts were made, through legislative and initiative action, to implement a carbon tax. This would create an economy-wide carbon tax on greenhouse gas emissions from the delivery or combustion of electricity, natural gas and petroleum products, as well as manufacturing processes around the state. It would essentially create a new tax on energy that would increase the cost to all business.
While environmental rules and regulations may not have a direct impact on small business, the increased costs, such as transportation, and goods and services, that result from such regulations impact the financial health of all small businesses. AWB will continue to work with its partners to ensure this does not happen and report how it unfairly impedes small business growth.
Health Care
Participants in the small business listening sessions in all 15 regions stated that health care costs had increased dramatically, with one business reporting a 40 percent increase with the use of the state’ s health care system. As components of the federal Affordable Care Act( ACA) are debated and interpreted, the state’ s health insurance system is in a constant state of flux. Ensuring choice and health care options, safeguarding affordability and cost containment while protecting the private sector delivery and purchasing systems are key components to a healthy, sustainable system. Washington is recognized as a leader in providing exceptional medical care and research, yet Washington is also noted as being a state with some of the highest costs for care. Washington’ s employers, employees and taxpayers deserve a competitive, predictable and affordable health care system.