GVCC Public Affairs Committee Hosts Reps. Jim Jacks and Tim Probst

In anticipation of the upcoming 2010 Washington State Legislative Session, the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Committee invited Representatives Jim Jacks and Tim Probst to present a session preview at its December 15, 2009 meeting.

• Jim Jacks discussed the massive state budget issues. He commented that a lot of bills passed last session were around policy ideas that didn’t cost money.
  
  
• The legislators thanked you to GVCC Members for putting Bill 2130 on the shared legislative priorities list.
  
  
• Government Spending: The group discussed the importance of stimulating the economy by offering government projects to private firms. Road striping was one example.
  
  
• Because transportation funds are tied to gas tax, those projects are relatively secure.
  
  
• Committee members discussed the issue of the increasing size of government. Jim Jacks made the point that many government employees have been laid off in cutbacks and that there is a “counter-cyclical business” effect in government when revenue drops and case loads increase.
  
  
• What can the business community do to help our legislators? Both Jim Jacks and Tim Probst said staying in touch, serving as a source of information, and being available on short notice to help with specific requests are the best ways to get involved.
  
  
• The group discussed the L&I rate increases and protecting the Chamber’s retrospective ratings program.
  
  
• The issue of labor was discussed. Kim Capeloto made the point that “nothing should be sacred with regard to privatization.”

Olympia Watch

The 2010 Legislative Session convenes on January 11, 2010.

Following are some helpful links for tracking important issues and staying in touch with legislators throughout the session.

            * Washington State Legislature Home Page

            * Washington Votes -  created for citizens to track legislation and voting records

            * Association of Washington Business - Legislative action center