Lessons taken from the recent Washington state legislative session
The question above is one that has been asked more times than I care to remember since the legislative session started this year.
The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce has dramatically expanded its involvement in the state legislative process over the past couple years to ensure that the issues of concern to the 1,100 businesses relying on us to fight for them are heard and represented by our local representatives.
We have very good relationships with our legislators, which doesn't mean that we agree with them on all of the issues or that we or our representatives always get what we think is best for our respective constituents. However, what it does mean is that we are able to have open, frank discussions when both sides listen and consider opposing perspectives and points of view.
A contingency of Chamber board members and Public Affairs Committee representatives recently spent the day in Olympia to meet face-to-face with 11 legislators, including a private meeting with the Governor. Based on what our members have told us they like and dislike, we conveyed our positions and views. I would have to say that with only one exception, all of our local legislators listened intently – and while not always able to agree – they were very willing to listen.
The challenge in these types of high-stakes economic environments is that it tends to embrace some and alienate others. Some have acknowledged the need to look at the "big picture" and use phrases such as "greater good," however others are fearful that the increases in taxes or "fees" can truly make the difference between surviving or not.
Business as usual simply cannot continue and we all need to be open to new ideas and new ways to do business.
Here is a sampling of some of the questions our members believe still need to be asked:
Is the State of Washington really the best suited organization to run an insurance company? Some argue this is a sector that should be outsourced, or at minimum, competition should be allowed. The insurance premiums that are paid to the Department of Labor & Industries are just that – insurance premiums. No outside sources are allowed to compete for this business. Does that make sense? Some say yes, some say no.
Is there value in outsourcing and privatizing the functions associated with Washington state-run liquor stores? Some say yes, some say no.
Are the "one size fits all" regulations regarding surface water management through the Department of Ecology realistic for all areas of the state? Some say yes, some say no.
If you have ideas that you want to propose, there has never been a better time for "out of the box" thinking then now. Let your legislators know what you think. Let your Chamber know what you think.
One of our jobs at the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce is to fight for issues important for businesses and to promote a positive business community. Are we doing that? We hope to hear "yes."
