Two legislative proposals that help tech startups are scheduled for public hearing in Olympia at 10 a.m. Tuesday.  The first is HB 1693, a bill that provides a B&O tax credit to tech and manufacturing startups for their first three years of existence.  This bill, sponsored by Rep. Cyrus Habib has gone through a couple iterations since it was first introduced.  This bill will help startups preserve needed capital for hiring and expansion, instead of paying higher B&O tax while still in their early stage.  This credit is in addition to other credits that are available, such as the R&D credits.

WTIA will be testifying in favor of HB 1693, along with Neil Bergquist of Surf Incubator.

The other positive legislation that affects young tech companies is SB 5605, sponsored by Senate Health Care Chair Randi Becker.

This bill helps preserve health plans for small businesses purchased through trade associations, like WTIA.  WTIA’s health plan for tech companies is threatened by rules implementing federal health care reform.  WTIA has been working for over a year with federal and state officials to be able to continue to offer a health plan to our small technology company members.

While we have worked with the state Office of the Insurance Commissioner to come to a satisfactory resolution going forward, many trade associations are seeking a higher level of certainty that these “large group” plans will be available next year.  Hence, SB 5605 is having a hearing, at which WTIA will speak in support so that small tech companies can keep an affordable health care option for their employees and families.

WTIA is active in Olympia with our state elected officials advocating for the tech industry’s interests in an educated workforce and a supportive business climate.  Check out our Information Technology Coalition and get involved.

Find legislation and state legislator information at www.leg.wa.gov