The Roundtable works to effect positive change on public policy issues that are most important to supporting state economic vitality and fostering opportunity for all Washingtonians. That work includes sharing news and analyzing policy developments affecting our state.

Latest News

Special session for transportation needed now

September 4th, 2013

Talk has been heating up this week about Gov. Inslee possibly calling a special legislative session this November to address transportation.  We couldn’t agree more.  Our system is ailing and in need of new investment.  Keep Washington Rolling – our coalition of business, labor and environmental interests – is urging lawmakers to come back in November and get this done.  Read more in… Read more

STEM education gets boost; best way to fill Washington’s skills gap

August 7th, 2013

Good analysis on the WashACE blog this week, this time looking at the legislature’s accomplishments with regard to STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math).  STEM has been the buzz word around the state in recent years, particularly as news of Washington’s skills gap (the distance between the skills workers have and the skills needed for employment) make it clear that we need… Read more

New York has “bold vision” for start-up talent; what about Washington?

July 22nd, 2013

From the WashACE blog today… Seattle Times columnists Briar Dudley has a fascinating look at the full-court press New York City is employing to attract entrepreneurial talent and nurture a robust start-up culture.  The centerpiece is a new $2 billion university – Cornell NYC Tech – whose outreach reportedly will be closely intertwined with expertise from heavy hitter employers for which any city… Read more

New COST study: Washington ranks 9th highest for business taxes

July 18th, 2013

The Council on State Taxation (COST) recently released its annual report on state and local business taxes and, again, Washington’s business tax structure isn’t stacking up all that well.  As reported on the Washington Research Council blog, taxes paid by businesses were 53.9 of percent total state and local taxes in Washington for FY 2012. Washington ranked 9th highest among the states in… Read more

Twitter

Washington Roundtable @waroundtable3 weeks agoRT @kpwashington: Since 2014, we have worked w/ @YouthCareSEA to support youth experiencing homelessness and struggling to receive care, an…
Washington Roundtable @waroundtable3 weeks agoRT @bmsnews: We earned 100 on the @DisabilityIN Disability Equality Index which recognizes companies that prioritize inclusion of people wi…
Washington Roundtable @waroundtable3 weeks agoRT @PNNLab: We're proudly partnering with @AvistaUtilities on the innovative Spokane, Wash. #EcoDistrict project to reimagine the future of…
Washington Roundtable @waroundtable4 weeks agoRT @fredhutch: “All four of our honorees — Michele, Kathy, April and Bev — are remarkable and have really made a terrific contributions to…
Washington Roundtable @waroundtable4 weeks agoRT @BellevueChamber: As Covid recovery continues, how has the local, global, and national economy responded? Join @WAFDbank CEO, Brent Bear…