Chamber Position Papers
Home » Tri-Cities Public Policy » Chamber Position PapersSUMMARY OF 2009 POSITION PAPERS -
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PRIORITY PAPERS
CLIMATE CHANGE AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Climate change issues have a tremendous impact locally, regionally
and nationally to our community. It is important to maintain our
competitive advantage as we coordinate with the State to recruit
new business. As new standards, policies and laws are put in
place in response to climate change concerns or renewable energy,
it is important to consider all industry sectors, including
transportation and power, are considered and the financial impact
to our economy well thought-out; credit is given for proactive and
early actions taken and incentives for the development of
conservation programs and renewables are provided on a
comparable basis to all electric sectors; supporting all hydropower
as a renewable energy resource.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING
The Tri-Cities region needs to invigorate our economy and
capitalize on opportunities with investment in economic development
and infrastructure. Partnerships and publicly owned
infrastructure is a critical part of many economic development
projects within our community and, often times, private investment
cannot move ahead without it. Government needs to provide
basic infrastructure such as water and sewer systems, sidewalks,
street lights, telecommunications, road and street improvements,
while private sector investment is needed to provide facilities for
attraction and expansion to attract and retain our highly skilled
workforce.
HANFORD CLEANUP B&O TAX RATE CLARIFICATION
In a recent audit, the Washington State Department of Revenue
questioned whether computer information systems and other support
activities are integral to the direct support of Hanford
Cleanup. All associated work at Hanford has historically
qualified for a lower B&O tax classification based on their being
crucial to meeting Tri-Party Agreements. This work has
included information technology, and safeguards and security of the
site. If information systems currently provide by Lockheed
Martin to DOE and its Hanford Contractors were removed from this
lower B&O tax classification, it would result in up to 150 jobs
being removed annually from cleanup funding and would instead go to
the State in taxes.
HANFORD REACH INTERPRETIVE CENTER
The Hanford Reach Interpretive Center will increase tourism and
diversify the economy of the Tri Cities, but most importantly it
will enhance the educational and cultural opportunities for
children and adults of all ages in Washington State. In the
60th Washington State Legislature 2007 Regular Session a total of
$5 million was appropriated to the REACH for the interpretation of
the Ice Age Floods to coincide with Washington State Park’s
Centennial Plan for 2013 to "Unveil the Mystery of the Ice Age
Floods", which would have cost the state over $9 million.
However, issues such as construction site work at Columbia Point
South in Richland and REACH operational costs need to be
addressed.
REGIONAL PUBLIC FACILITIES DISTRICTS
A Tri-Cities study committee has concluded that use of the sales
tax authority for Public Facilities Districts (PFDs) is the most
viable option for financing certain regional facilities (performing
arts center and/or aquatics center) in the Tri-Cities.
However, existing law would require a separate vote in each city
and it is unclear as to whether PFDs can own recreational
facilities. Modification of the PFD statute is necessary to
permit the Tri-Cities citizenry the best opportunity to determine
whether or not to finance particular regional facilities.
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES
Maintain and improve the region's transportation system by road,
rail and water. Continue funding of projects of regional
significance such as SR 12 from Pasco to Walla Walla, Red
Mountain/I-82 Interchange, US 395 (Blue Bridge) corridor
improvements, and the Railroad Grade Separation projects in the
Tri-Cities along with I-90 Snoqualmie Pass improvements.
Approve new funding for the Lewis Street Overpass Project in Pasco,
the Steptoe Street extension in Kennewick and Richland, the I-82
Interchange project in West Richland and First Street within the
Tri-Cities Research District and the Duportail Bridge in Richland.
Breaching of the Snake and Columbia River dams and river draw-downs
are unacceptable alternatives for salmon mitigation and will have
adverse affects on transportation in our region.
STANDING PAPERS
EDUCATION – SUPPORT OF TEAC
The Tri-Cities Legislative Council (TCLC) and the Tri-Cities
Education Advisory Council (TEAC) support maintaining and/or
increasing education funding allowing our educational institutions
to contribute positively to the economic well being of the
State. During economic downswings, enrollment typically
increases while resources to serve students diminish. TEAC
and TCLC strongly urge legislators not to balance the budget on the
backs of the State’s educational institutions.
EFFECTS OF THE FEDERAL BIOLOGICAL OPINION
A new federal plan, the Biological Opinion, to save endangered
Columbia River salmon and steelhead offers an unprecedented
scientific foundation for future salmon recovery efforts. The
federal agencies’ (Bonneville Power Administration, the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation) plan is a
significant improvement over past efforts. While we strongly
support the BiOp, the federal government still needs to address
hatchery and harvest arenas. These two H’s are
inextricably linked, and must be addressed, as part of a
comprehensive recovery strategy. Without a comprehensive
salmon-recovery strategy including harvest (fishing) and hatcheries
(rearing of fish), it will be impossible to achieve the goal we all
share – restoration of healthy fish populations that no
longer need the protection of the Endangered Species Act.
HANFORD CLEAN-UP PRIORITY ACT (I-297)
Washington State Legislature has made follow on attempts in both of
the past two sessions to draft new language to take the place of
I-297 (the Cleanup Priority Act), which would restrict any new
nuclear waste from entering the State of Washington before Hanford
is cleaned up. The Cleanup Priority Act was found by three
different court judgments to be unconstitutional. There has
been significant and measurable progress in cleanup at
Hanford. The Tri-Cities Legislative Council steadfastly
supports cleanup of the Hanford site and funding to accomplish
cleanup of the site in the safest way and shortest time
practical.
HEALTH CARE AND INDUSTRIAL INSURANCE RATES
According to the 2009 Competitiveness Handbook, Washington State
government health and hospital spending per capita is 8th highest
in the country. The percentage of uninsured in the State has
increased .7% since 1990, ranking 30th nationally. The increase in
2009 workers’ compensation rates proposed by the State
Department of Labor & Industries is 3.0%. TCLC would like
Small Group Health Insurance with expanded access and eliminate the
requirement to provide the same level of benefits as in the basic
health plan. Reduce mandated benefit requirements that add
costs and place a moratorium on additional mandatory benefits to
health care plans. Reduce costs associated with medical malpractice
claims. Pursue more adequate reimbursement levels for Medicaid and
Medicare; urge Legislature to urge federal government to increase
funding. Require an audit to ensure that lower rates are
sustainable for Independent Workers’ Compensation, and
reserve levels are adequate, but not excessive. Maintain the
independence and integrity of “retro” rating
programs.
IMPROVE THE STATE’S GENERAL BUSINESS CLIMATE
The Legislature needs to work together with business leaders and
other public officials to improve the State’s business
climate. According to the 2009 Competitiveness Guidebook by the
Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy, our state’s
business costs are the 15th highest nationally. We are 2nd in the
country in unemployment insurance taxes, rank 5th in weekly
unemployment insurance benefit payments, and 10th in percentage of
tax burden paid by businesses. Our minimum wage tops the nation
again this year.
INNOVATION PARTNERSHIP ZONES
As part of Governor Gregoire's Next Washington plan, she has
proposed Innovation Partnership Zones (IPZ) to keep Washington
competitive in the global market place. In October 2007, the
Tri-Cities' Research District was designated an IPZ. It
exists in the research nexus created by the proximity and
cooperation of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and
WSU-Tri-Cities. The district is home to at least 20 globally
competitive and innovative companies.
RED MOUNTAIN AMERICAN VITICULTURAL AREA
The state approved $200,000 in the 2006 legislative session to be
combined with other locally raised funds to develop a Master Site
Plan for the Red Mountain American Viticulture Area
(“AVA” or “appellation”). The Plan
has set forth the framework to create a world-class viticulture
destination. However, issues such as adequate transportation
access and reliable water supplies still need to be
addressed.
TOURISM
Despite the fact that Washington state is one of the most
beautiful, interesting and diverse states in the nation, state
funding for the development and promotion of tourism has not been
at a level that is competitive with that of other states.
Washington needs to position itself to capitalize on the tremendous
economic benefits that tourism brings. Our state needs to
maintain or increase its funding of tourism development and
promotion, as well as support various tourism-related capital
projects.
WATER POLICY
Support a water policy for a growing economy that includes both
municipal and agricultural uses, and further recognizes a water
right as a property right. There is probably no issue more
important to our region than water. Water management policy
must find a balance that serves all interests, including
agricultural, municipal, transportation, hydropower, and
salmon.