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The Latest from Washington Policy Blog

One Small Step for the State’s Small Business Climate, One Giant Leap for New Businesses

By Erin Shannon

February 3, 2012

On Wednesday, the House Economic Development, Trade & Innovation Committee approved SB 6327. The bill now moves to the Ways & Means Committee for further consideration.

SB 6327 would create a one-year exemption from the state Business & Occupation (B&O) tax for all new businesses and a two-year exemption, plus a 50 percent exemption in the third year, for new businesses employing fewer than 25 people.

Will Governor Gregoire force committee chair to allow a Senate vote on charter school bill?

By Liv Finne

February 3, 2012

Today the charter school bill introduced in the state Senate either proceeds or dies. The Chair of that committee, Senator Rosemary McAuliffe (D-Bothell) is trying to block the vote on the bill. Today the Everett Herald reports that the Governor has intervened.

Six-year budget outlook requirement heard in the House

By Jason Mercier

February 2, 2012

The House Ways and Means Committee heard public testimony yesterday on HB 2607: Requiring a six-year budget outlook tied to existing revenues. Regularly publishing a multi-year budget outlook is one of the many recommendations in WPC's Policy Guide for Washington State.