| | WRA Has Success in 2007 Session
On April 22, the 2007 Legislative Session officially came to a close. This session was 105 days, the longer session of a two-year budget cycle. During the 105 days the Washington State Legislature introduced 2,700 bills. All three branches: the House, Senate and the Governor’s office, were under firm control of the Democrats. Additionally, the budget writers enjoyed a healthy $2.2 billion revenue surplus.
The Washington Retail Association had a better then expected Session. The WRA tracked 448 bills. Most importantly, with the revenue surplus, no general tax increases were imposed.[More]
| WRA Top Ten Issue Priorities for 2008
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Sales Tax Allowance: In 2006 a national Cost of Collection Study was conducted. Results show that on average retailers pay 3.09% to collect and remit the sales tax in their states. In 2007 WRA introduced legislation to allow retailers to keep 1.5% of the sales tax they collect. The bill failed but will be re-introduced in 2008. Interestingly, the state charges local governments 1% for their administration and collection of local sales tax. Currently many other sales tax states allow their retailers an allowance. WRA will be the lead organization in efforts to adopt a sales tax allowance for retailers.
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Mandated Health Care "Play or Pay": During the 2007 Legislative Session there was a major push to force employers to pay health benefits for employees or to require employers to pay the state to provide health benefits for their uninsured employees. The WRA and a broad coalition of employer organizations were successful in halting this expensive and unwise proposal.[More]
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| Governor Gregoire signs SSUTA bill |
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