The INK: Working hard or hardly working?
“This is a learning process the entire state is undergoing."
–Gov. Jay Inslee adressing the confusing algorithm used to charge drivers using I-405 HOT lanes.
WTK: what to know
Next time you try on a one-size-fits-all shoe
Erin Shannon, Director, Center for Small Business and Labor Reform
Working Washington, the union-funded organization responsible for pushing a $15 minimum wage, has officially kicked-off their campaign on the next battleground issue for labor regulations—shift scheduling. Scheduling regulations require employers to provide workers with an advance schedule, usually set at two to three weeks. Along with the advance scheduling is typically a “predictability pay” penalty if an employer changes a worker’s hours after the advance notice window, and often includes guaranteed minimum pay for workers who are “on-call” but not called in to work. It also usually includes provisions limiting how a business can utilize full-time and part-time workers.
Like many regulations, there are unintended consequences to this kind of government interference. Employers in cities with similar regulations say the restrictions prevent them from bringing in more staff to quickly respond to unexpected increases in business. And some workers complain the city’s new regulations have discouraged employers from offering them extra hours or shifts on short notice because they would be required to pay the extra “predictability pay” penalty.
These real world examples illustrate what happens when businesses and workers are micromanaged by one-size-fits-all government regulations. Employers lose the flexibility they needed to quickly respond to customer needs, and workers lose important work opportunities.
When you're stuck in traffic and nothing's on the radio
Bob Pishue, Director, Coles Center for Transportation
In a surprise move on February 5th, the Washington state Senate rejected Lynn Peterson’s appointment as the Secretary of Transportation. This doesn’t happen often; the last time the Senate rejected a governor’s appointment to any office was 17 years ago. The move reflects the growing public frustration with the Department of Transportation. The anti-405 toll petition has over 30,000 signatures and continues to grow, putting pressure on lawmakers to take action and provide relief to the traveling public. Other snafus, like cost overruns on the 520 Bridge pontoons and the stalled Alaskan Way Viaduct machine, were cited by lawmakers as creating a lack of public trust in the Department, at a time when taxpayers are paying higher gas taxes to fund a host of new projects. After Peterson’s firing, Governor Inslee acknowledged troubles with I-405 in a press conference, saying he wants to make changes to the freeway to provide congestion relief.
WTB: where to be
On iTunes!
The great Todd Myers, director of our Center for the Environment at WPC, has fully joined the tech age by launching a podcast! Officially titled The Eco-Fads Podcast, and affectionately referred to as The Toddcast, it explores free-market solutions to environmental issues. This episode covers both the saving of adorable sea turtles, and the less-than-adorable water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Show some YP love and give it a listen on iTunes here!
ICYMI: in case you missed it
Young Professionals in Tri-Cities
Last week we had an incredible Young Professionals reception in the Tri-Cities, our first ever Tri-Cities focused YP event! YP Board member Kate Lampson was gracious enough to open her home to over 50 attendees from the Tri-Cities excited to hear about WPC’s work surrounding agriculture, small business, education, and government reform. New friends and members were met, drinks were had and policy was discussed. A great time was had by all!
Olympia day
The Young Professionals Advisory Board headed down to Olympia for a day of hobnobbing with our state’s leadership on February 9th. Their meetings included time spent with House Minority Leader Rep. Dan Kristiansen, Sen. Michael Baumgartner, Sen. Reuven Carlyle, Lieutenant Governor Brad Owens, and brand-new Rep. Teri Hickel. They also experienced the added treat of meeting with some lobbyists. Turns out, lobbying is less like Thank You for Smoking than you may have thought…
Because none of us here at WPC can get enough talk about policy, the Young Professionals board ended their Olympia day with a reception at the BIAW's McCleary Mansion in Olympia, emceed by YP board chairwoman Sam Bowman. With guests Rep. Melanie Stambaugh and Rep. Chris Reykdal, there was spirited and informative discussion of the issues before the legislature today, and the day-to-day realities of being a state representative. Perhaps unsurprisingly, free food, wine and beer also added to the enjoyment of the evening.
Be sure to renew your annual Young Professionals membership to continue to receive these emails, our quarterly magazine, Viewpoint and invitations to WPC YP events.
