Advocacy
Connect with policymakers and government agencies to create an environment that fosters growth for technology companies
WTIA actively advocates on behalf of technology companies and entrepreneurs across Washington State and pursues public policies that help to ensure their success. Our efforts range from preserving tax incentives for research and development (R&D) to supporting initiatives that improve Washington students’ performance in math and science.
Who We Engage
We have had enormous success on behalf of our members in
creating a business environment friendly to the technology industry
by working with policymakers, federal, state and local agencies,
educational institutions, chambers of commerce, and business and
civic organizations. WTIA will continue to pursue this mission to
help ensure the continued success of our members and the economic
health of Washington.
Policy Objectives
At the core of our advocacy and government affairs
activities is a simple premise: support public policies that
help the technology industry in Washington grow and oppose those
that hurt the industry's interests. Key policy priorities
include:
Improving STEM Education
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education is the
basis for innovation and a technology-based economy. Improving STEM
education means advocating for policies that:
- Improve K-12 student performance in STEM subjects. We advocate
for high academic standards in math and science, qualified and
properly compensated math and science teachers, curriculum aligned
to standards, and student demonstration of knowledge in math and
science as a graduation requirement.
- Increase the number of graduates in STEM majors, particularly
computer science and electrical engineering. We advocate for
increased access to and capacity for more students to pursue and
graduate with STEM degrees. State funding, tuition policies, and
financial aid should favor STEM degree production.
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Improving the Business Climate for Technology Companies and
Entrepreneurs
Technology industries in the U.S., for the most part, are lightly
regulated. This environment has helped make our country's
technology industry the strongest and most dynamic in the world. A
successful technology industry requires a combination of
entrepreneurship, proximity to research universities, tax policies
that promote R&D, a robust and ubiquitous broadband network,
and a well-functioning transportation system. WTIA promotes:
- Tax credits for R&D. Washington's B&O credit and sales
tax deferral are valuable tools to help companies of all sizes
defray the expense of R&D. These should be made permanent with
minimal changes.
- The extension of broadband networks and connections throughout
the state.
- Trade policies that help small and mid-size Washington
companies export.
- Continuance of health insurance plans to be sold by bonafide
trade associations outside of insurance exchanges.
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In addition to these advocacy efforts, WTIA partners with other
technology-oriented organizations to support positive public
policies, supports
state policymakers who act in our members' interests, and
provides you with resources to interact with your legislators and other
public representatives.