Washington Business Fall 2017 | Legislative Review & Vote Record | Page 19

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“I have been so impressed with the process of bringing (together) legislators
from both sides of the House and Senate, as well as employers and employees, to
come to an agreement that works for all,” said Anacortes Chamber of Commerce
President Stephanie Hamilton. “I appreciate the work that AWB put into this to
safeguard businesses and give employees the leave they need for their families.”
Maud Daudon, president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of
Commerce, hailed passage of the law.
“This legislation is a victory for families, businesses, and the economic vitality
of our state,” Daudon said. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of legislators in
both parties and stakeholders across the state, we have ended up with a solution
that strengthens working families and balances the needs of small businesses and
other employers.”
Battles said the ultimate success of the balanced paid leave legislation is due to
everyone’s willingness to listen and compromise.
“We had a lot of moving pieces in the legislation,” he said. “Without the input
from chamber leaders, businesses and their representatives, labor leaders and
lawmakers, this bill would have ended up like other paid leave legislation —
sitting on a shelf or being put out to a statewide ballot vote. I believe our process
is a model for addressing complex policies that