Inside
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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