Washington Retail Association Email Archives Homepage PAST ISSUES OF THE WASHINGTON INFORMATION NETWORK (WIN) Click lead story to bring up past issue of WIN Talk now to your elected officials and candidates running for office   (8/27/2014) As families go shopping for school, Washington misses an opportunity L&I announces a series of rulemaking developments Freedom Foundation paper exposes mandatory sick leave policies Daunting state budget challenges ahead outlined by Research Council, newspaper Funds needed to keep a moderate state Senate   (8/20/2014) Get to know the candidates for the Legislature Hearings scheduled regarding increases in safety violation fines Labor reform progress report NRF petitions U.S. High Court to reduce debit card fees WRA addresses key issues at national lobbying summit  (8/13/2014) Retail sales grow 2.4 percent in first quarter Retail sales up 4.3 percent statewide in the past month Former Governors urge Supreme Court to avoid interfering with lawmakers on school funding Governor, health director propose temporary fix for exchange mistakes Board of Directors makes strides at retreat   (8/6/2014) More doom and gloom for the state budget Audits proposed for employer premium irregularities Inslee, state officials ask Congress to approve sales tax fairness WRA candidates show well in primary WRA meets with Congressional delegation in Washington, D.C.  (7/30/2014) Board of Directors hears about union political influence Why voting in the Aug. 5 primary is important WRA meets with L&I regarding insurance rate fairness IRS releases health care reporting forms Governor Inslee speaks on his climate change agenda  (7/23/2014) WRA board adopts policy on patent trolls U.S. Senate reintroduces e-fairness bill Tell NRF about your support for e-fairness Court decisions cloud status of national health care law Issues have common threads  (7/17/2014) Some initiatives die, others may live this year Employer health forums this month in Seattle, Fife "Cooling off" reached in port contract talks Tax payments to state exceed forecasts WRA members share their views  (7/9/2014) State offers advice as pot stores open around Washington Business group seeks at large public vote on higher Seattle minimum wage Port strikers ordered back to work State predicts more retail hiring growth Can we ever get to Seattle on those clogged roads?  (7/2/2014) Initiative deadline is tomorrow WRA's Hetrick obtains IOM management training certification Talks continue as West Coast port contracts expire Home care workers exempt from union dues, U.S. Supreme Court rules State pension plans need more  (6/25/2014) Utility taxes are part of a funding discussion WRA auto members warned about costly state audits Seattle businesses petition for public vote on minimum wage law Airport minimum wage could rise to $13 in three years Small franchise owners work to stop Seattle minimum wage increase  (6/18/2014) Activist launches referendum challenge to repeal Seattle's $15 an hour minimum wage Exploring expanded E-Waste collections Inslee directs a review of agency cost savings Court steps up pressure on legislature to boost education spending Challenges emerge to Seattle minimum wage law  (6/12/2014) Higher minimum wages will boost automation, new report says A view from Oregon regarding the $15 minimum wage Could gas taxes increase significantly? State revenue collections beating predictions What's going on in Congress?  (6/4/2014) Seattle passes $15 an hour minimum wage amid controversy Report: SeaTac workers lose benefits with $15 an hour WRA thanks legislators who best supported retailers Controversy surrounds state insurance commissioner's office The Price of Gas May Impede Retail Sales  (5/28/2014) Seattle Minimum Wage Likely to be Voted on Soon 2014 WRA Law Review Ready L&I to conduct hearings on penalty revisions Walmart invites "made in USA" companies to a July summit meeting Social media promotions raise endorsement issues  (5/21/2014) Increasing the minimum wage - who's next? WRA works for insurance rate fairness Safeway praised for promoting family meals Walmart invites "made in USA" companies to a July summit meeting Seattle multicultural and minority small business owners speak out  (5/14/2014) Congressman Denny Heck addresses local chamber Three state reps win national retail awards WRA joins in call for port officials to avoid a strike Walmart invites "made in USA" companies to a July summit meeting Find valuable wisdom in your association  (5/7/2014) Seattle minimum wage issue gets more complex Seattle's mayor reveals one plan to raise minimum wage Seattle wage debate strident, one-sided, author observes Hearing held on Retro rule change Heated education funding debate coming soon  (4/30/2014) Voters have little appetite for more taxes WRA board member White wins small business award Help elect pro-retail candidates by donating to the PAC WRA partners in national retail marketing campaign Seattle minimum wage update  (4/16/2014) Seattle small businesses reject $15 hr. minimum wage, survey shows Freedom Foundation analyzing paid sick leave impacts Help elect pro-retail candidates by donating to the PAC WRA seeks to increase member tax refunds Freedom Foundation explores union transparency  (4/9/2014) State, local gas vapor fees under study Weigh the risks of changing risk classifications U.S. House redefines Obamacare's notion of full time Olympia open house on bag ban set for April 16 Teens may not get work experience  (3/26/2014) Campaign season in full swing - please donate to the PAC L&I releases guidance on workplace bullying Free UW minimum wage debate will be televised Seattle meeting tomorrow on minimum wage hike New tourism funding passes the Legislature  (3/12/2014) Session coming to a close Document, be consistent with injured or problem employees WRA seeks further reform of workers' comp WRA wraps up bill tracking for this session WRA board meets with legislative leaders  (2/26/2014) Taxes, taxes and more taxes Revenue seeks comments on upcoming tax advisory Workers' comp reform bills remain in play Adjournment nears for Legislature State sales tax reform leaders receive honors  (2/19/2014) Trespass penalty bill passes the House Revenue seeks comments on upcoming tax advisory Senate passes Retro reform bill State revenues keeping pace with forecast, report says The Middle Class  (2/5/2014) Independent contractors bill will cost retailers and the state WRA backs worker comp reform bill Minimum wage increase would burden retailers heavily, new report shows Legislature nears session's halfway point Transportation, Education, and the pile-on effect  (1/29/2014) Governor releases $200 million tax proposal WRA meets with Governor to discuss minimum wage Higher minimum wage hurts the economy, retailers say Newspaper challenges Inslee on minimum wage hike WRA CEO Jan Teague and Congressman Denny Heck recently toured Olympia's Best Buy  (1/22/2014) Flawed independent contractors bill heard Tuesday Minimum wage increases cost jobs, fail to help the economy, studies show WRA meets with sponsor regarding workers' comp reform bill WRA meets to improve medical exam process National Retail Federation holds its Big Show  (1/15/2014) Bill to curb theft of liquor by minors is heard Inslee calls for statewide minimum wage increase Holiday sales finished up 3.8 percent State schools superintendent proposes sales, property tax increases Board of Directors discusses key issues  (12/18/2013) Transportation focus likely in 2014 session Legislative vacancies filled Increase in job vacancies expected Higher gas tax unpopular, poll shows Christmas is near  (12/11/2013) 2014 elections approaching quickly L&I announces workers' comp insurance rate increase Problems plague state health exchange website Retail imports should finish year up Rep. Kilmer receives Main Street Award  (12/4/2013) Preparing for the 2014 Legislative Session L&I announces workers' comp insurance rate increase Court hearing upcoming as recount continues on Proposition 1 HR seminar tomorrow in Seattle Thanksgiving wishes  (11/27/2013) WRA closed on Friday Prop 1 appears to pass, recount planned Workplace bullying back up for discussion Shoppers elsewhere love tax-free weekends Holiday Questions Begin  (11/20/2013) Prop 1 outcome awaits recount results, court case State posts directions for retailers to collect E911 tax Trade Conference Review WRA discourages imposing expensive computer security Washington Research Council hears from Senator Andy Hill  (11/13/2013) Prop 1 outcome awaits recount results, court case Legislature approves deal to lure new Boeing airplane assembly State posts directions for retailers to collect E911 tax Shoppers elsewhere love tax-free weekends I-517, the signature gathering initiative, fails at the ballot box  (11/6/2013) Angel clings to lead among other state races SeaTac minimum wage increase passing Special session starts tomorrow Shoppers elsewhere love tax free-weekends Key retail meeting held in Nashville  (10/30/2013) Tacoma grocery owners explain why I-517 would be a bad idea Chambers are the grassroots of business New tv ads highlight pitfalls of I-522 Ken Balsley More papers, Realtors come out against petition initiative, I-517  (10/23/2013) Tacoma grocery owners explain why I-517 would be a bad idea Olympia, Spokane papers latest to urge defeat of GMO initiative Newspapers urge defeat of GMO initiative Help elect Jan Angel to the state Senate Objective eyes reject petition initiative  (10/16/2013) Tacoma grocery owners explain why I-517 would be a bad idea Ballots coming this week - be sure to vote Newspapers urge defeat of GMO initiative Help elect Jan Angel to the state Senate Please post information to vote "no" on ballot item involving initiative signatures  (10/9/2013) Retail crime conference attracts 300 to Tacoma Newspapers urge defeat of GMO initiative Help elect Jan Angel to the state Senate Retailers expect 3.9 percent holiday sales gain this year Is Congress impacting retail sales?  (10/2/2013) WRA issues call to action to oppose I-517 State's minimum wage set to climb on Jan. 1 Help elect Jan Angel to the state Senate Yakima Herald urges "no" vote on I-522 A game changing approach to union organizing  (9/25/2013) WRA issues call to action to oppose I-517 UI requirements changing for corporate officers WRA meets about proposed increase in state fines Ads raise profile of I-522 Research Council turns thumbs down on SeaTac's Proposition 1  (9/18/2013) Action needed for the No on I-517 campaign WRA meets new state Director of Revenue State revenue forecast ticks up I-522 contains numerous flaws, Research Council concludes Action needed for the No on I-517 campaign  (9/11/2013) Retailers approach federal harbor maintenance tax reform cautiously Prop 1, $15 an hour minimum wage, back on ballot WRA tours "green" office building Bureaucracy makes health care hard to get  (9/4/2013) lease register for Tacoma's retail crime conference Another special session this year? NRF announces new emphasis on domestic product sourcing Reichert to hold UI fraud hearing Which lobbyists are eligible for public pensions?  (8/28/2013) Change coming to UI advisory committee Judge throws SeaTac's Prop 1 for a loop Hutchison elected GOP state party chair Former state legislator Berkey dies State Republican Party to take position on I-517 this week  (8/21/2013) Meeting on Sept. 17 regarding Seattle's criminal background check law WRA joins coalition opposing Prop 1 in SeaTac SeaTac "living wage" would cost jobs, raise prices, study finds Websites explain opposition to initiatives State GOP to Name New Party Leader  (8/14/2013) Health Care Reform Update for WA State Coalition Opposes SeaTac Paid Leave Inititative Mandatory Paid Leave in Tacoma State's Economy Picking Up House Speaker Frank Chopp implies pork spending is not unusual  (8/7/2013) Thanks to all who vote and run for office WRA joins coalition opposing Prop 1 in SeaTac New COHE centers to open Websites explain opposition to initiatives No on I-517 launches website  (7/31/2013) Two new websites on GMO WRA members to receive review of laws, votes Check out WRA's blog, other website features Outlook projects growing state savings Unions work to elect local government leaders  (7/24/2013) SeaTac schedules Nov. election on "living wage" proposal WRA board opposes I-517 Legislature hears about liquor thefts No on 522 website launches Seattle issues first report on sick and safe leave  (7/10/2013) WRA meets with L&I director WRA board meets in Spokane next week With adjournment, attention turns to primary, initiatives Public hearings next week on PacificCorp rate increase request Washington Policy Center health care conference reveals state challenges  (7/3/2013) 2013 legislative session concludes June 29 Links to state budget documents, vetoes Employer health care penalties delayed a year Muri selected for vacant House seat ACTION ALERT!  (6/26/2013) Health care lack of access already starting Shutdown appears unlikely as Legislature closes in on budget adoption WRA thanks local House, Senate members for pro-retail vote and support Vague language sparks opposition to I-517 ACTION ALERT!  (6/19/2013) Employment trends for retail Positive revenue forecast alleviates need to alter non-resident sales tax exemption State budget breakthrough predicted soon Jobless rate keeps improving ACTION ALERT!  (6/12/2013) Leaders from the North versus the South Memo to state legislators: oppose SB 5871 Contact WRA regarding new Tacoma threat Inslee calls for second overtime session ACTION ALERT!  (6/5/2013) Bill Bishop talks about the loss of the middle ground in his book, The Big Sort One week of special session remaining, and no state budget Speakers at IRS small business forum explain health care reform Watch tributes to Sen. Mike Carrell ACTION ALERT!  (5/29/2013) House leaders urge defeat of HB 2038 Will small businesses offer health insurance to their employees in the future? Liquor tasting bill signed into law Sen. Carrell dies ACTION ALERT!  (5/22/2013) Initiative I-517 is not good for retailers WRA's Mark Johnson, third from left, attends Gov. Inslee's recent signing of a bill that boosts pena... Governor signs pharmacy robbery bill "Slow as molasses" special session continues ACTION ALERT!  (5/15/2013) Journey to Washington D.C. to support Marketplace Fairness Organized Retail Theft bill signed by Governor L&I financials reveal need for further workers' comp reform Import projections reflect caution by retailers ACTION ALERT!  (5/8/2013) State unemployment fund still best in the country Mark Johnson at bill signing WRA joins review of safety fines Senate, House budgets contain flaws, new report says ACTION ALERT!  (5/1/2013) Global retail competition our next challenge Session concludes with a whimper Notice to self-insured WRA members L&I reorganizes ACTION ALERT!  (4/24/2013) Legislators must save the sales tax exemption Bill signings start as session winds down Notice to self-insured WRA members Legislature is down to the wire ACTION ALERT!  (4/17/2013) Small businesses drop health care coverage Pharmacy robbery bill passes Legislature - on to the Governor Founding WRA board chairman, Tom Huff, dies DeBolt resigns as House Republican Leader How will the health care penalties work?  (4/10/2013) Budgets, budgets and taxes Senate, House budgets introduced WRA commentary on Inslee's new taxes published online WRA co-sponsors three free webinars this year Small business tells its story about unfair competition  (4/3/2013) House hears business licensing bill Cities, counties support Retro scheduling bill WRA commentary on Inslee's new taxes published online WRA co-sponsors three free webinars this year When will Washington State have $100 billion to spend?  (3/27/2013) Flash mob robberies are a serious threat Sells commits to hearing Retro bill Legislature nears three quarter mark WRA co-sponsors three free webinars this year The state's tax system can't compete  (3/20/2013) Liquor theft captures legislators' attention State lowers revenue forecast slightly for 2013-2015 Non-budget bills still in focus WRA co-sponsors three free webinars this year Is recycling falling out of fashion?  (3/13/2013) Beer and wine tasting bill clears House House delays action on Retro scheduling bill Senate, House reach deadlines today for votes WRA co-sponsors three more free webinars this year HB 1870 should be about prohibiting credit card company price fixing practices  (3/6/2013) Let the Department of Ecology do its job - defeat HB 1294 Session reaches halfway point Taxes for transportation are unpopular, new poll finds Get ready for health care requirements next week Unions may be in trouble  (2/27/2013) Why repealing the non-resident sales tax exemption will cost jobs and taxes WRA board meets with key legislators Halfway point of session in sight WRA on KING 5 in support of "flash rob" bill OFM Director speaks at business luncheon  (2/20/2013) Spring is in the air and cut-off is near WRA opposes extreme House safety bill WRA urges House to pass Retro scheduling bill WRA on KING 5 in support of "flash rob" bill It's a big week for retailers in the Legislature  (2/13/2013) Beer and wine tasting is good for the state WRA urges a hearing on House Retro bill Day 31 of the 2013 session WRA on KING 5 in support of "flash rob" bill Report from conference on legislative leadership  (2/6/2013) Gov. Inslee urges cooperation between business and education Sales tax holiday for back to school has hearing Legislature reaches quarter pole WRA on KING 5 in support of "flash rob" bill Two important bills retailers should watch this session  (1/30/2013) It may be time for Family Leave to leave Bills flow in as Legislature reaches Day 16 Structured settlement bills advance WRA presents members with new free webinars this year Retailers will receive credit card settlement notice  (1/23/2013) Bill to curb "flash mob" robberies introduced Important WRA workers' comp bills heard by Senate today WRA begins charting bills early in 105-day session WRA presents members with new free webinars this year Session starts with coup in Senate  (1/16/2013) Inslee pledges job creation as top priority Committee studies performance of individual retro groups Retail takes hit in December jobless report New rules for brakes sold in the state Legislature convenes on Monday  (1/9/2013) WRA will make sales tax holiday a top 2013 priority Smith appointed to succeed Bob Morton in state Senate WRA joins letter to negotiators to avoid port strike New rules for brakes sold in the state Washington Retail Association 618 Quince St SE Olympia, Washington 98501 Join our Mailing List!