East King Chambers head to Olympia for Chamber Day 2026
Date postedFebruary 24, 2026
The Eastside Chambers road tripped over to Olympia earlier this month, meeting with a dozen state legislators and Lt. Governor Denny Heck in a jam-packed day of policy. Breakfast meant a briefing from Bellevue Chamber President & CEO, Joe Fain — who previously served in the legislature — before the groups popped off to discussions with Rep. Kloba, Rep. Springer, Rep. Thai, Rep. Walen, and Rep. Salahuddin.
Lunch was with Lt. Gov. Heck, who provided the group with an overview of his office’s role and his commitment to increasing the housing supply in our state, and the Coalition finished the day with Sen. Hunt, Sen. Slatter’s staff, Rep. Duerr, Rep. Goodman, Rep. Zahn, Rep. Hall, Rep. Callan, and Sen. Wellman’s staff.
Thanks to all who joined, and we hope even more of y’all come with us next year!
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The Seattle Times editorial board is weighing in on the statewide payroll tax proposal.
Bellevue Chamber President & CEO Joe Fain: “In practical terms, this means taxpayers and employers from every corner of Washington would be directly subsidizing the City of Seattle’s budget.”
Read the editorial: https://lnkd.in/g-MttGZa
Bellevue Chamber President & CEO Joe Fain: “In practical terms, this means taxpayers and employers from every corner of Washington would be directly subsidizing the City of Seattle’s budget.”
Read the editorial: https://lnkd.in/g-MttGZa
Read more
Bellevue Chamber
3 minutes ago
The Bellevue Chamber joined Washington Roundtable, Association of Washington Business, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and Greater Spokane Inc. in responding to an income tax measure introduced in Olympia. While framed as a personal income tax, the proposal has clear implications for business activity, and deserves careful review.
As we evaluate the legislation, we’re focused on affordability impacts for families and employers, whether outcomes are tangible in communities, and how the policy affects long-term budget sustainability and Washington’s competitiveness.
Chamber President & CEO Joe Fain also flagged several structural issues that need closer review, including treatment of pass-through entities, charitable deductions, a potential marriage penalty, and interactions with other state tax policies.
Read more: https://lnkd.in/g8Uv_wD4
As we evaluate the legislation, we’re focused on affordability impacts for families and employers, whether outcomes are tangible in communities, and how the policy affects long-term budget sustainability and Washington’s competitiveness.
Chamber President & CEO Joe Fain also flagged several structural issues that need closer review, including treatment of pass-through entities, charitable deductions, a potential marriage penalty, and interactions with other state tax policies.
Read more: https://lnkd.in/g8Uv_wD4
Read more
Bellevue Chamber
52 minutes ago