Three of Snohomish County’s chambers of commerce have adopted a combined legislative agenda this year that they hope will help businesses locate and prosper in Washington state.
The joint governmental affairs committee of chambers in Everett, south Snohomish County and Monroe selected eight items to work on in 2005. They include:
* Keeping Naval Station Everett.
* Lowering taxes and fees for businesses.
* Improving transportation. The chambers want more money spent on road improvements.
* Liability reform. Dealing with condo construction lawsuits and medical practice cases should help those sectors of the economy.
* Lowering health care costs. Reducing unnecessary regulations and cutting mandated benefits would help more employers to find affordable health care programs.
* Investing in education. The chambers want more money allocated to community colleges and universities for everything from technical training to graduate studies.
* Continuing to reduce regulations and smooth permit processes.
* Adding economic development tools. Sought are expansions in tax increment financing, a way to induce development infrastructure that wouldn’t otherwise occur. Also sought are tax incentives for high-technology businesses.
Louise Stanton-Masten, president and CEO of the Everett Area Chamber of Commerce, said all the items are important and none is ranked higher than another.
“Some people would rank keeping the Navy base as most important,” said Stanton-Masten, noting it’s the county’s second-largest employer. For others it’s transportation. For others education.”
The Everett mililary facility will be reviewed by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, which is reducing the number of bases. The chamber intends to work hard to show local support for the base and to get support and assistance from the state to ensure it continues to operate.
Stanton-Masten noted that the state’s successful efforts to convince Boeing to build its new jet in Everett involved improvements in regulations and permits, but said more are necessary.
“There were some efforts made, but some of these continue to need attention,” she said.
Chamber members plan to meet with local lawmakers on Monday night to discuss their issues. And Stanton-Masten said the list will be a good framework for evaluating bills during the upcoming legislative session.
“These are the eight topics we feel are important for the Legislature to address this session to make Washington a competitive place in which to do business, she said.
Legislative reception
Chambers of commerce in Everett, south Snohomish County and Monroe are hosting a reception for the area’s state lawmakers from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Verizon atrium, 1800 42st St., Everett. The chambers will present their legislative agenda and attendees will have a chance to talk with lawmakers. The event is free. Attendees should call 425-257-3222, Ext. 0, to make reservations.
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