How Small Businesses are Winning with New Tax Law
September 16, 2025 Chamber Bulletin KEY TAKEAWAYPro-growth tax reform gives small businesses the clarity they need to invest in their workers and communities. How Small Businesses are Winning with New Tax LawPro-growth tax reform passed in July is already having positive impacts on small businesses. Members of the U.S. Chamber Small Business Council describe how they are investing, innovating, and driving economic growth. Why it matters: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act provides the
Proposed 2026 workers’ comp rate increase would help pay for rising cost of coverage
Proposed 2026 workers’ comp rate increase would help pay for rising cost of coverageSept. 16, 2025#25-24TUMWATER − The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is proposing a 4.9 percent rise in the average hourly rate employers and workers pay for workers’ compensation insurance in 2026.The increase would help pay for the rising cost of providing benefits when a worker is injured on the job. The proposed increase is less than what L&I projects it will need to cover 2026 claim costs. As it
Washington State Park Pass Only $30 until Oct. 1
Two little girls enjoy some snacks and play with pine cones and moss at a picnic table in Deception Pass State ParkGo all in on adventure: Buy your Discover Pass before the price increases on Oct. 1Buy your Discover Pass The Discover Pass is more than just a parking pass — it gives you unlimited access to millions of acres of natural beauty, culture and history across the state. It's your key to adventure on lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the
Governor Ferguson, Democratic Congressional leaders urge extension of critical affordable health ca
Governor Ferguson, Democratic Congressional leaders urge extension of critical affordable health care tax creditsOn Jan. 1 at least 80,000 Washingtonians could lose health care if ACA’s Enhanced Premium Tax Credits are allowed to expire BELLEVUE – At a press event Friday, Governor Bob Ferguson joined members of Congress at Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue to warn Washingtonians about the federal government’s latest threat to health care access and affordability. Unless Congress extends them, the
Recreational Shellfish Harvest Closures Issued in Skagit County Due to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
PRESS RELEASE September 10, 2025 Contact Environmental Health eh@co.skagit.wa.us 360-416-1500FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERecreational Shellfish Harvest Closures Issued in Skagit County Due to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) Toxins Due to recent samples of shellfish containing elevated levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins (in exceedance of 80 micrograms PSP/100 grams of shellfish tissue), the Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH) has closed recreational harvest for all
North Cascades National Park Perry Fire Monday Update
North Cascades National Park Service Complex News Release Contact: NOCA Public Affairs Office Perry Fire Monday Update SEDRO WOOLLEY, Wash. – Fire behavior moderated over the weekend due to cooler temperatures with light rains across the area, slowing the spread of fire. The Perry Fire is estimated at 1,557 acres with moderate backing and flanking. Over the weekend the Type-1 Whiskeytown Wildland Fire Module installed hoses and sprinklers in Little Beaver boat-in Camp area. Aerial support was
L&I announces rulemaking plans for child labor requirements
Wage and Hour NewsL&I announces rulemaking plans for child labor requirements The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) Wednesday filed a preproposal for rulemaking regarding non-agricultural and agricultural child labor requirements. This rulemaking is in response to three bills that passed during the 2025 legislative session:Substitute House Bill 1121 (SHB 1121): Allows minors enrolled in career and technical education programs to work the same number of hours during the
Employment Security celebrates two decades of National Workforce Development month
OLYMPIA – The Employment Security Department is proud to pay tribute to a month-long celebration of the significant effect workforce development programs have in Washington. September marks the 20th anniversary of National Workforce Development Month. Workforce development programs play a key role in:Building our economy.Creating a pipeline to quality jobs.Supporting underserved communities. The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) created Workforce Development Month in
