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Opposition to HB 1921: Proposed Road Usage Charge Program
Lakewood Chamber of CommerceBoard of Directors Policy Position StatementOpposition to HB 1921: Proposed Road Usage Charge Program2/11/2025 The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors strongly opposes HB 1921, the proposed Road Usage Charge Program. While we recognize the need for sustainable infrastructure funding, this legislation places an excessive and inequitable financial burden on businesses…
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Oppose SB 5578 and HB 1764 – Unaffordable Wage and Leave Mandates
Lakewood Chamber of CommerceBoard of Directors Position StatementOppose SB 5578 and HB 1764 – Unaffordable Wage and Leave MandatesFebruary 6, 2025 The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce stands firmly against Senate Bill (SB) 5578 and House Bill (HB) 1764, which would dramatically increase labor costs for small businesses across Washington. These bills propose a 5% minimum…
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Oppose SB 5222—Rent Control Legislation
Lakewood Chamber of CommerceBoard of Directors Policy PositionOppose SB 5222—Rent Control LegislationJanuary 28, 2025 Senate Bill 5222 proposes a 7% cap on annual rent increases and additional requirements aimed at addressing housing affordability. While the goal of providing relief to renters is important, this legislation will have unintended consequences that exacerbate Washington’s housing crisis rather…
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Oppose HB 1320—Business and Occupation Tax Increases
Lakewood Chamber of CommerceBoard of Directors Policy PositionOppose HB 1320—Business and Occupation Tax IncreasesJanuary 28, 2025 House Bill 1320 proposes a 20% surcharge on the business and occupation (B&O) tax rate for businesses in the “service and other activities” category with annual income exceeding $1 million from October 2025 through December 2026. It further enacts…
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Oppose HB 1319 – A New Wealth Tax on Washington Residents
Lakewood Chamber of CommerceBoard of Directors Policy PositionOpposes HB 1319 – A New Wealth Tax on Washington ResidentsJanuary 28, 2025 House Bill 1319 proposes a 1% annual tax on worldwide financial intangible assets exceeding $100 million, targeting approximately 3,400 of Washington’s wealthiest residents. While the bill’s stated goals include addressing wealth inequality and generating revenue…
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Oppose HB 1044 – Raising the REET Fee
Lakewood Chamber of CommerceBoard of Directors Policy PositionOpposes HB 1044 – Raising the REET FeeJanuary 28, 2025 House Bill 1044 seeks to raise the real estate excise tax (REET) administrative fee from $5 to $20 per transaction, with additional increases every four years tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for shelter growth. While the…
The opinions expressed in these publications are those of the authors; which may include publications from guest writers, staff and members as well as publications submitted from third-parties. Not all submissions will be published, and the chamber reserves the right to decline submissions without explanation. The positions of our chamber board may not reflect the opinions or views of all chamber membership and sponsors, however are duly researched and discussed before an official statement is made on behalf of the membership as a whole.