Author Archives: fdgadmin
Sen. Braun speaking at the Jobs Now! press conference
Growth Management Act: A Burden on Our Communities
I have cosponsored legislation recently that addresses some serious concerns I have regarding the state’s Growth Management Act (GMA). The fact is that our communities know what is best for planning and managing growth. The GMA is overly burdensome and this proposed legislation allows for counties to have flexibility in adopting their own planning rules that makes sense for them. See this article in the Longview Daily News for more information about the issue.
Jobs Now!: Getting Washington back on Track
On Wednesday, the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus held a press conference announcing a new initiative focused on getting Washington back to work. The initiative is being call Jobs Now! and started with the passage of the Worker Recovery Act out in the Senate. I am proud to support this effort that would reduce barriers to injured workers of all ages and provide for options and flexibility to meet their needs.
As part of this initiative, my Senate colleagues I and hope to continue supporting sustainable reforms and bills that focus on our state’s economy. I want Washington to be the best place in the country to do business. As a legislator I want to build a better business climate by reducing bureaucratic red tape, supporting reforms to our workers’ compensation system, tax code and education system. This initiative seeks to assist employers in their efforts to create jobs, hire more workers and grow the economy. Click on the photo above to watch the press conference.
Sponsored Legislation
Here are some of the priorities I am working on this session. I am committed to making our state an attractive place to live and work. With the Majority Coalition Caucus, I continue to advance reforms that will make our state’s economy strong, create accountability in government and reduce the burden on our tax payers and job creators.
Senate Bill 5656 would create a one stop shop for businesses to renew business licenses for all jurisdictions.
Senate Bill 5697 reduces the frequency of local sales and use tax changes. Currently local sales and use tax changes may be implemented four times year. This bill allows changes three times annually. Current sales and use tax system is too complex for small businesses and is continuing to grow. This legislation would cut in half the burden for employers when changing their systems to reflect new sales and use tax rates.
Senate Bill 6182 would establish an annual B&O tax credit for employers that establish new apprenticeship positions where skills gaps exist.
Senate Bill 5727 exempts prevailing wage requirements for public works projects located in distressed counties. Projects would be exempt if at least 50 percent of the project funding comes from private sources. Distressed counties are defined as counties with an unemployment rate 20 percent above the state average for the previous three years.
Senate Bills 6175 & 6176 creates a tax tribunal to balance the relationship between tax payers and tax collectors to ensure fairness and efficiency.
Senate Bill 5647 establishes a stakeholder process for the Department of Revenue in publishing tax rulings and determinations. This bill seeks to balance tax payer confidentiality with open and transparent government and efficiency.
I want to hear from you!
I will be hosting a telephone town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb.11 and I encourage all 20th District residents to participate. I will be joined by Representatives Richard DeBolt and Ed Orcutt.
The community conversation is much like an interactive radio program, where you can ask questions or just listen to the conversation about issues that affect their district and state.
On the evening of the telephone town hall, call toll-free 1-877-229-8493 and when prompted, enter the PIN: 112374 to join the call.
I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Sen. John Braun
Senate passes Worker Recovery Act and other job-creation bills
Legislators follow votes with announcement of ‘Jobs Now!’ plan to create, save jobs
Sen. John Braun, R- Centralia cosponsor of legislation aimed at reducing barriers for injured workers voted in favor of the Worker Recovery Act, Senate Bill 5127.
The Senate approved several bills aimed at making it easier for Washington employers to create and maintain jobs, led by the Worker Recovery Act, which would significantly improve the state-run industrial-insurance program for injured workers.
The Worker Recovery Act would increase the choices available to injured workers by expanding eligibility for structured-settlement agreements to all workers, regardless of age. Similar common-sense and even less restrictive settlement options are currently available to injured workers – without age restrictions – in 44 other states.
Calling it an opportunity for the Legislature to pro-actively support job creation and workers, Republicans from the House of Representatives and members of the Senate Majority Coalition Caucus followed today’s votes with the formal announcement of their “Jobs Now!” plan – a package of bills aimed at helping private-sector employers create and retain jobs.
“Businesses need to know that we are working to give them the tools to be successful job creators. We are building a climate that protects workers and promotes a stronger economy for Washington,” said Braun.
- Senate Bill 5656 would create a one stop shop for businesses to renew business licenses for all jurisdictions.
- Senate Bill 5697 reduces the frequency of local sales and use tax changes. Currently local sales and use tax changes may be implemented four times year. This bill allows changes three times annually. Current sales and use tax system is too complex for small businesses and is continuing to grow. This legislation would cut in half the burden for employers when changing their systems to reflect new sales and use tax rates.
- Senate Bill 6182would establish an annual B&O tax credit for employers that establish new apprenticeship positions where skills gaps exist.
- Senate Bill 5727 exempts prevailing wage requirements for public works projects located in distressed counties. Projects would be exempt if at least 50 percent of the project funding comes from private sources. Distressed counties are defined as counties with an unemployment rate 20 percent above the state average for the previous three years.
- Senate Bills 6175 & 6176 creates a tax tribunal to balance the relationship between tax payers and tax collectors to ensure fairness and efficiency.
- Senate Bill 5647 establishes a stakeholder process for the Department of Revenue in publishing tax rulings and determinations. This bill seeks to balance tax payer confidentiality with open and transparent government and efficiency.
State Senator John Braun – “If 401(k) plans are good enough for Boeing machinists, they should be good enough for those who hold elected office.”
Via KPLU radio — “Republican John Braun on Wednesday said he will introduce legislation to end pensions for all elected officials in Washington. Click here for interview.
Braun is a freshman state senator and business owner who already doesn’t participate in the state pension system. He says he understands why some machinists were incensed recently when elected officials with pensions urged them to make concessions on theirs.
“For folks to say you need to take this deal and not be willing to is somewhat hypocritical,” Braun said.
Sen. John Braun supported measures passed by the Legislature today that will encourage growth in the state’s aerospace industry and give Boeing more incentive to produce its new 777X aircraft in Washington.
Although he remains concerned about state government showing favoritism toward certain large employers, Braun is convinced this legislation is in the best interest of everyone in the state. According to the state’s Office of Financial Management, the $8.7 billion tax investment approved for the aerospace industry would produce $21.3 billion in new state revenues over the period of 2024-40. Continue reading
Commentary by State Sens. John Braun and Ann Rivers
Washington’s transportation system is in major need of a fix.
Cowlitz County/Southwest Washington taxpayers depend on the state to maintain functioning highways they can use for commuting and shipping their products. Without good roads, the local economy would grind to a halt.
Unfortunately, the Department of Transportation has not been a good steward of taxpayers’ money. Continue reading
Op-ed by Sens. Randi Becker and John Braun
During the 2013 legislative session there was a debate about whether to raise the state gas tax to fund a new transportation package. Some, including the governor, want to enact such a plan. But what we’re hearing from the public is that many are not as eager to hand over more at the pump. Continue reading