JOB-CREATION CREDIT OK’D
A tax break for small businesses that create jobs won unanimous approval Wednesday in the Senate.
It’s part of a renewed push by legislative Democrats to do something to jump-start the job market.
The proposal by Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, would allow businesses with 20 or fewer employees that add to their payrolls to apply for business-occupation tax credits.
Credits would vary depending on wages but would be capped at $4,000 per job. State spending on the credit would be capped at $10 million a year through June 30, 2012, when it expires. Senate Bill 5899 now heads to the House.
BRANDLAND TO RETIRE
State Sen. Dale Brandland told colleagues in a floor speech Wednesday he’s not planning to run for re-election.
“I rise before the body to say goodbye,” said Brandland, the Republican lawmaker from Bellingham and former sheriff.
MAINSTREAM GOP MEETING
State Rep. Gary Alexander of Thurston County will be the featured speaker at the March 17 luncheon meeting of the Thurston County Mainstream Republicans.
The 11:30 a.m. event is at Hawks Prairie Restaurant, 8306 Quinault Drive N.W. in Lacey. He is expected to talk about the budget and the legislative session.
Admission is $2. To reserve a spot, call 360-456-2992 or e-mail reservations@tcmr-oly.org.
DEMOCRATIC CAUCUSES
Washington Democrats plan caucuses around the state Sunday to select delegates at the legislative level for their June 26 state convention.
Party chairman Dwight Pelz said Wednesday the caucuses will be held at 1 p.m. around the state in 29 districts in preparation for county conventions April 10.
In Thurston County, Democrats are taking a different tack: They will hold legislative caucuses April 10 at Capital High School, coinciding with the county convention at the same place.
Thurston Republicans plan a county convention March 27 at South Puget Sound Community College. Delegates will be selected for the GOP’s state convention June 10-12 in Vancouver.
Compiled by Brad Shannon; Jordan Schrader contributed to this report.
