Congressman Denny Heck met with Chamber Executives from across Pierce and Thurston Counties in the 10th Congressional District to host a roundtable discussion on issues like Highway 167, Export-Import Bank, Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement and Retired Military Cost of Living Adjustments.
The discussion around SR 167 was unified by everyone's agreement that it was critical that our regional advocacy for the transportation project continue in order to ensure the project remains a top transportation priority for the State, specifically as a new jobs creator, but also to protect the existing jobs in our region.
Also addressed were the 8,000 military retirees that are transitioning to the public sector annually from JBLM and their employment qualifications/skill sets learned during their service to our country. Also of concern was the continuing impact on JBLM as a result of the winding down of the war. Congressman Heck acknowledged the reduction of our nation's force structure across the country was felt locally in the loss of one of our stryker brigades at JBLM in 2013.
When asked about the federal minimum wage issue, Congressman Heck advised that he was in favor of increasing the federal minimum wage to $10.10 per hour, and emphasized that with 10,000 retirees a day in our country it was critical to continue our efforts with workforce development to ensure qualified workers could fill the positions/jobs that retirees left. One Chamber Exec asked about simpler and more consumer friendly laws and policies that small business owners could understand and easily implement. As with many chambers, as much as two-thirds of membership is small businesses with 10 employees or less. Over burdensome reporting requirements and policies have become barriers for small business success.
Sustainable energy was also briefly discussed and Congressman Heck described this issue as one of our country's brightest and best stories. Most of which related to natural gas. He also talked about the adoption of a Marketplace Fairness Act regarding the taxation of internet sales to level the playing field for small brick and mortar businesses.
In the past year our Chamber has appreciated the interest Congressman Heck has taken in our local business members and the issues that impact their bottom line and sustainability. He has physically toured Green Mt. Coffee Roasters, the Washington State Fair and the Sales Family food stands, and STAC, Inc. learning about their specific challenges and successes and has continued to look for opportunities to advocate on their behalf.
If you have questions about any of these issues, please contact our office or attend one of our government affairs meetings which take place the first Tuesday of every month, 7:30am at the Chamber office, 323 North Meridian, Puyallup.
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