Author Archives: Heather Donahoe
Hot Off the Grill: First legislative milestone passed
Today marked the first cut-off for bills in the 2012 session of the Legislature. Here is how the process works: In order for bills to be considered for further action by the Legislature, they must have been voted out of Committee by today. The next step in the process is that any bill with a fiscal impact of $50,000, or more, must be heard and passed from the fiscal committee by Tuesday in order for it to be considered for a vote on the floor of the House or Senate. Then, by February 14, a bill must pass the entire House or Senate in order to be considered further. Continue reading
Weekly Update: WRA members speak out for industry on minimum wage
A big thanks to three WRA members who testified this week during a House Labor Committee hearing on four minimum wage-related bills. These members clearly articulated how the state’s climbing minimum wage has impacted their businesses. We applaud Karissa Bresheare, owner of the Gourmet Latte coffee stands throughout Western Washington; Dan Sutton of Cottage Inn in Wenatchee; and Travis Rosenthal, owner of Tango in Seattle! Continue reading
WRA clarifies media report on minimum wage hearing
The Washington Restaurant Association would like to thank Rep. Mike Sells (D-38), chair of the House Labor Committee, for holding a public hearing Tuesday on a number of proposals to reform Washington’s minimum wage law. We are also grateful to Rep. Cary Condotta (R-12) for introducing these bills. During Tuesday’s hearing, WRA President and CEO, Anthony Anton, was joined by three member restaurateurs to testify to the hardships of operating a restaurant under the state’s current minimum wage structure. Continue reading
Hot Off the Grill: Minimum wage and tips as wages hearing next Tuesday
Rep. Cary Condotta (R-Wenatchee) has introduced a number of bills that would modify Washington’s minimum wage law, allow for some tips to be credited as wages, and provide for a training wage program. The WRA has been working closely with Rep. Condotta since last year to develop these ideas and set the stage for further discussion of these critical issues. Continue reading
Weekly Update: L&I extends filing deadline to Feb. 3 due to storm slowdown
L&I is extending its quarterly filing deadline for State Fund employers to submit their workers’ compensation premiums from midnight Jan. 31 to midnight Feb. 3. Employers will be allowed this extra time because of the recent snow storm that shut down businesses in much of the state. Continue reading
