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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
While there are several bills in the Washington State House of Representatives that would affect employers and their employees, I'd like to highlight and ask for your opinions on four of them.
House Bill 1314, requested by the governor, would implement a new carbon pollution market program (also called cap-and-trade or a carbon tax) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He has provided information on his plan here. The governor has labeled some companies and universities as “big polluters” based on this list. You can watch the House Environment Committee hearing on this bill from January 27 here.
House Bill 1484, also requested by the governor, would establish a 7 percent state capital gains tax (income tax). It has been referred to the House Finance Committee. You can find why the governor supports it here.
House Bill 1355 would raise the state minimum wage to $12 over four years — $10 in 2016, $10.50 in 2017, $11 in 2018, and $12 in 2019. It would then be indexed to the Consumer Price Index thereafter. You can find the House Labor Committee hearing on this measure from January 26 here.
House Bill 1356 would require different levels of sick leave accrual depending on the size of business and hours worked. You can watch the House Labor Committee hearing on this legislation from January 26 here.
Please share your thoughts
- What are your opinions on these bills? Please share your thoughts with me in this survey. I will keep this survey open through February 10.
Telephone town hall reminder: Tuesday, Feb. 3
Just a reminder that I will be hosting a telephone town hall meeting with Rep. Elizabeth Scott on Tuesday, Feb. 3. The community conversation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. To join in, please call (360) 350-6256.
In your service,
Dan Kristiansen
