A number of things are happening of interest:

CALL TO ACTION: STATE BUILDING CODE COUNCIL TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING TO HEAR COMMENTS ON THE COMMERCIAL ENERGY CODE

The State Building Code Council ran out of time last week and did not hear public comments on the commercial energy code proposal. They will be holding another virtual meeting Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM to take comments. 

Three specific proposals are concerning for those who want to maintain energy choice. Proposals 21-GP1-103 and 21-GP1-136 ban the use of fossil fuel heat pumps and water heaters in the commercial code. Proposal 21-GP1-179 requires electrical connections every place there is a fossil fuel appliance – significantly increasing the cost of putting in gas appliances. If these pass in the commercial code, it is more likely they will become part of the residential energy code updates next year.

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO CALL IN OR SEND AN EMAIL TO OPPOSE THESE SPECIFIC PROPOSALS THAT WILL EFFECTIVELY BAN NATURAL GAS IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS.

To send an email opposing Proposals 21-GP1-103, 21-GP1-236 and 21-GP1-179, send to Members of the Washington State Building Council.

L&I PROPOSES 3.1% AVERAGE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION RATE INCREASE

The Department of Labor & Industries is proposing an average 3.1% workers’ compensation rate increase for 2022. A public hearing will be held remotely at 10:00 AM on October 26, 2021. The final rates will be adopted on November 30, 2021.

This is an average rate increase. In reality, some industries will see increases while others see decreases. To see what will actually happen in your industry, you can take a look at the PDF and Excel spread sheets by clicking button below.

To comment on the rate increase, the Zoom link and other information for the meeting on October 26, 2021 at 10:00 AM is listed below.  

People are encouraged to submit comments in writing to: Jo Anne Attwood, administrative regulations analyst, P.O. Box 41448, Olympia, WA 98504-4148; or email email her.

All comments must be received by 5:00pm on Oct 29, 2021.

TAX STRUCTURE WORKGROUP

WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!

The Tax Structure Work Group (TSWG) is exploring changes to Washington’s state taxes, and we want to hear from you! You are invited to join a virtual Tax Town Hall to share your opinions about the state tax structure. Register to attend a Tax Town Hall below or scroll all the bottom of the email for the registration links.

What is the Tax Structure Work Group?

The Tax Structure Work Group is a bipartisan collection of policymakers working together to develop recommendations for making Washington’s state tax structure more fair, stable, adequate, and transparent. This fall, they are listening to taxpayers to understand your preferences. The TSWG will consider your valuable feedback when developing legislation in 2022.

The TSWG is hosting seven virtual Tax Town Halls, one for each of seven regions in Washington. Each Town Hall will offer two identical sessions, one in the afternoon (2:30 - 4:00pm) and one in the evening (6:30 - 8:00pm).

The Virtual Tax Town Hall Agenda Includes:

• Purpose and goals of the Tax Structure Work Group
• Background information on the current state tax structure
• Interactive breakout sessions where you explore scenarios for changes to the state tax structure and share your feedback

We invite you to come prepared to share your thoughts with your neighbors, local businesses, elected officials, and the extended community. All taxpayers are welcome - you don't need to be an accountant or tax expert to participate!

The sessions will be conducted remotely on Zoom – if you have any questions or accessibility concerns, please contact email TSWG. 

To learn more and find the Tax Town Hall in your region, please go to TSWG Tax Town Hall website and register. Or you can view the map below and click one of the registration links that follow.