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AWB Hosts First-ever Federal Affairs Summit
Business, government and political leaders from across Washington focused on ways to work together to support the state’ s economy at AWB’ s first-ever Federal Affairs Summit Sept. 18-21 at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum.
U. S. Rep. Denny Heck, D-10, focused on Washington’ s need for continued infrastructure investment.
“ We need to do more on infrastructure, not just for job creation, but as a platform for long-term, sustainable economic growth,” he told the standing-room-only audience.
U. S. Rep. Dave Reichert, R-8, shared a video message with attendees where he highlighted the need to support economic growth policies that cultivate prosperity in the cities, towns and small communities across the state and nation.
U. S. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell discussed health care, immigration, workforce development and job creation. Murray also thanked the first responders— firefighters, paramedics and police— for their work in containing the Jolly Mountain fire that caused evacuations in areas around the resort.
The 2018 Federal Affairs Summit will be a stand-alone event held Aug. 14 at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, taking advantage of the congressional recess when lawmakers are back in Washington state. The event’ s agenda will take shape over the next few months.
Employers Connect with Legislature, Urge Practical Fixes to Help Urban and Rural Washington Thrive
Entrepreneurs, employers and policymakers from all over Washington gathered in Olympia in January for the 2018 Legislative Day and Hill Climb to discuss ways to keep Washington’ s economy competitive.
AWB members urged their lawmakers to find a solution to the Hirst ruling that has restricted drilling new wells in rural Washington, dampening economic development. Business leaders also lobbied for a business and occupation tax reduction for Washington manufacturers, among other issues.
Members heard from several experts on a variety of topics that impact their businesses, from education to workforce development and climate policy to employment law, including pay equity proposals.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal told Washington employers that other countries are simply ahead of the United States when it comes to education investments and results, but catching up and making significant improvements are doable.
Patrick Jones of Eastern Washington University and Anneliese Vance-Sherman of the state Employment Security Department spoke about the state’ s economic trends, which include notable differences in unemployment rates and labor force participation rates across the state’ s 39 counties.
AWB members met directly with their lawmakers during prearranged meetings late in the afternoon. The event closed with a well-attended evening reception at the Hotel RL Olympia.
Clay Hill Joins AWB’ s Government Affairs Team, Covers Tax and Fiscal Policy
Clay Hill joined the AWB government affairs team on Jan. 1 as director for tax and fiscal policy. He most recently worked with the House Republican Caucus, serving as counsel for the House Finance Committee and Technology and Economic Development Committee.
“ I’ m delighted that Clay will be joining AWB,” said Gary Chandler, vice president, government affairs.“ He brings a wealth of experience on tax and fiscal issues to our staff at a time when tax policy is under particularly intense scrutiny.”
Hill’ s experience includes working as a deputy prosecutor in Okanogan County. He also worked as a civil litigation attorney in King County and served as a legal counsel for the Building Industry Association of Washington. He began his career as a criminal defense attorney in Wenatchee. Hill received both his law and undergraduate degrees from Willamette University.
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