Supporting our businesses

KEY FACTS House Democrats have focused on making our state good for business, but also good for the workers and their families. That's why House Democrats have made great progress in better schools, clean air and water, transportation, and of course, support for businesses. This continues to be our focus in 2009 and we'll let our track record speak for itself: Forbes Magazine: Ranked third best state to do business US News & World Report: Ranked #1 state to start a business "Washington also has very low taxes, making the costs of growing business quite low." Ranked # 5 on Small Business Survival Index

Evergreen Jobs Act (HB 2227)

The renewable-energy industry continues to grow, even in these hard times. We want the state, through an Evergreen Jobs Authority, to work from start to finish on getting workers into green jobs. This act will help us become a world leader in green industries.

Opening up the Shared Work Program (HB 1906)

If a business wants to keep an employee on reduced hours instead of laying them off, we don’t want fine print to hinder that. We removed restrictions so more employees can work reduced hours while receiving partial unemployment benefits.

Incentives for green energy manufacturers (HB 2130)

Washington has the opportunity to become a world leader in renewable-energy production. Federal investments will make the renewable-energy sector an even stronger source for good-paying jobs. This supports new businesses coming to our state.

Waiver for first-time paperwork-filing violation (HB 1650/SB 5042)

We want the state to work with small businesses. By taking the opportunity to educate business owners, instead of fining them on their first mistake, we’ll create a partnership aimed at success.

Economic development and community revitalization

(HB 1525, HB 1651, HB 2069)

We count on private businesses to help develop our neighborhoods and provide jobs to support our families. These bills allow areas to plan for this growth through the right infrastructure to support jobs and families.

Access to loans and public contracts for small businesses

(HB 1095, HB 1166, HB 1830)

Small businesses should be judged on the value of the work they can provide, not the size of their firm. In order to be successful, they need access to capital to launch their business as well as opportunities to compete for state contracts.

Support for our local car dealers (HB 1704)

Requires a motor vehicle manufacturer to pay specified sums to a motor vehicle dealer upon the termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal of a franchise.