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APRIL 12, 2013
Senate passes historic bipartisan budget
 Last Friday, the Senate adopted a bipartisan operating budget that would spend more on basic and higher education while addressing the needs of Washington’s most vulnerable citizens, all without raising taxes. The measure passed by a vote of 30-18. The $33.3 billion, two-year spending plan would increase state support for basic education by 11.1 percent, lower the high tax rates adopted three years ago, and leave $611 million in reserve, with much of that going into the state’s rainy-day fund. Click here to read more of the specifics of our proposal.
The fact is our state will be taking in more in taxes than any time in history. We can – and should – adopt a budget that balances without relying on tax increases. The Senate budget is much different from the governor's proposal that relied on $1.2 billion in new taxes. And unlike the governor’s proposal which increases non-education spending by over seven percent, we limit it to under two percent.
It's important to remember, however, that this budget proposal is not the final version. There will be changes made by the House, which must then be approved by the Senate. As with all proposals, it is a work in progress, but I view it as an excellent place from which to start negotiating a reasonable compromise with members of the House.
Below is a comparison of the Senate's bipartisan budget proposal tp the House and Governor's proposal:
 Status update on my bills
While many of my job-creation bills passed the Senate unanimously, it appears that some members of the House of Representatives are playing political games by holding certain bills hostage. And it's not just my bills that are being affected...many of my colleagues are finding their unanimously-supported proposals held up by House committees. It's certainly frustrating to see some members of the Legislature willing to sacrifice the best interest of the state's residents for political trickery and horsetrading, but fortunately our system was designed to limit such tyrannical behavior. You can watch my latest video update for more on this and other issues.
I am currently putting together a package of ideas to present to Governor Jay Inslee and some of his agency and department heads. Along with some of my fellow state senators, we intend to show the executive branch that our job-creating bills will not only help streamline state government but encourage businesses to flourish in Washington. With his help, the House of Representatives may be willing to move our ideas forward...especially since many of them were approved with absolutely zero opposition.
Communicating Business Regulations
- SB 5680 (my bill) would create a single portal for business licensing and would direct the agencies to provide links to their particular permits, licenses and inspections on a single web portal so that a small business would be able to easily and completely comply with and obtain those licenses, permits, and inspections required for their particular business. This bill was generated by the September 6, 2012, report from the State Auditor’s Office, Regulatory Reform: Communicating Regulatory Information and Streamlining Business Rules.
- Passed the Senate unanimously (47-0) on March 11.
- Approved by the House Technology and Economic Development Committee on April 2.
- Awaiting passage by the full House of Representatives.
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SB 5718 (my bill) would improve customer service to businesses by monitoring the business licensing portal. Designates one specific official (OCIO) to develop a plan and oversee implementation of a single portal for businesses to access the inspections, licenses and permits required by all state agencies.
- Passed the Senate unanimously (47-0) on March 1.
- Approved by the House Technology and Economic Development committee on April 2.
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Referred to the House Appropriations Committee – No hearing scheduled.
- SB 5158 (sponsored by Sen. John Braun) would provide a good faith defense for wage and hour complaints. Employers should be able to rely on formal written guidance given by L&I and not be subject to litigation if the information is inaccurate.
- Passed the Senate (25-24) on March 11.
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Referred to the House Labor & Workforce Development Committee – No hearing scheduled.
- SB 5656 (sponsored by Sen. John Braun) would revise business licensing systems. All cities that impose a business and occupation tax must have their general business licenses issued and renewed, either through the state's Business Licensing System or a city managed system by July 1, 2016. Cities that do not impose a business and occupation tax must have their general business licenses issued and renewed, if renewal is applicable, through the state's business licensing system or city managed system by January 1, 2019.
- Passed the Senate (33-16) on March 11.
- Approved by the House Local Government Committee on March 28.
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Awaiting approval by the House Appropriations Committee.
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SB 5688 (sponsored by Sen. John Braun) would commission a study to determine the impact of reducing the number of B&O-tax classifications to have one set of rules for employers.
- Passed the Senate (35-14) on March 12.
- Referred to the House Finance Committee – No hearing scheduled.
- SB 5697 (sponsored by Sen. John Braun) would reduce the frequency of local sales and use tax changes. Currently local sales and use tax changes may be implemented four times per year: on the first days of January, April, July, and October. This bill allows such changes just twice annually, on the first day of January or July.
- Passed the Senate (36-11) on March 11.
- Approved by the House Finance Committee on April 1.
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Awaiting passage by the full House of Representatives.
- SB 5765 (my bill) would create a pilot business regulatory efficiency program administered by the Department of Commerce, the goal of which would be to improve the regulatory environment for businesses in Washington. Together with the Office of Regulatory Assistance and the Office of Accountability and Performance, the commerce department would conduct multi-jurisdictional regulatory streamlining projects that impact specific industry sectors, beginning with the state’s manufacturing sector.
- Approved by the Senate Trade and Economic Development Committee on February 20.
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Awaiting approval by the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
Rulemaking
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SB 5679 (my bill) would improve the business climate and stimulate job creation by requiring certain agencies to establish a formal review process of existing rules. Departments of Ecology, Health, and Labor & Industries must each annually perform a formal review process of existing rules with the goal of improving the processes for licensing, permitting, and inspection in a manner that reduces the regulatory burden on businesses without compromising public health and safety. This bill was generated by the September 6, 2012, report from the State Auditor’s Office, Regulatory Reform: Communicating Regulatory Information and Streamlining Business Rules.
- Passed the Senate unanimously (49-0) on March 11.
- Approved by the House Gov’t Operations & Elections Committee on April 3.
- Referred to the House Appropriations Committee – No hearing scheduled.
Participating in the Legislative Shoot-Out
I also got to participate in what has become an annual event here in Olympia. The Legislative Shoot-Out took place at the Evergreen Sportsman's Club near Littlerock, and we all got a chance to shoot some pretty powerful weapons!
From the AR-15 to the big M-4, many legislators took their turn sending some lead downrange. I also got to fire a number of handguns and rifles during the friendly competition. Here are some photos from the event:
In closing...
A big priority for me is getting your feedback as often as possible. It is one of the best tools I have to help me better represent you. I value your opinion highly and - as always - if you would like to contact me you can write, phone, e-mail, or stop by. It remains my honor to serve you in the Washington State Senate.
Sincerely,
Sharon Brown
State Senator
8th District
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