Washington's exempt salary threshold hits $80,168 in 2026 and climbs toward $93,000 by 2028, by far the highest in the nation. What employers need to know about the three-part test, the multi-state comparison, and the steps to take now to stay compliant and competitive. Continue Reading
Joe Fain breaks down the March 2026 UI Trust Fund Forecast: Washington's average employer UI tax rate is projected to jump 37% over three years. The driver isn't rising unemployment but a solvency surcharge and changing claimant behavior, and the assumptions may not be conservative enough. Continue Reading
Washington's March collections missed forecast by $71.2M, the two-month shortfall is now $113.8M, and lawmakers left just a $231M ending balance. CEO Joe Fain on why this isn't austerity, why even healthy revenue growth won't save a budget built on aggressive assumptions, and what comes next. Continue Reading
Washington’s income tax is likely to become law. But the math behind the proposal raises serious questions. The state’s budget challenges are driven by spending growth, not a lack of revenue—and the policy choices that follow will shape Washington’s economic future. Continue Reading
Washington State has one of the richest histories in the nation when it comes to passing an income tax. Continue Reading
Washington's latest attempt to impose a statewide income tax is moving fast. Find out what's in the bill and what comes next with our FAQ. Continue Reading
Despite low turnout, tonight's election is a big one across Western Washington. Here at 10 tight races to watch as the returns roll in. Continue Reading
Heads up: As of 12:00 AM this morning, Washington launched a tax blitzkrieg on services, businesses, and your streaming habit. Continue Reading
The very first revenue forecast of the 2025–27 biennium shows Washington’s budget deep in the red, by close to half a billion dollars. Continue Reading
Chamber CEO, Joe Fain, addresses recent findings by ProPublica on Washington's failure to bring new renewable power sources online. Continue Reading
Business coalition leaders respond to legislature’s massive tax package. Continue Reading
Having this pragmatic philosophy in the Governor’s mansion will serve our state, its most vulnerable, and our economic engine well. Continue Reading
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