The Chamber’s GAC’s fundamental role includes advocating the views of the business community to our elected officials on public policy and legislation on the local, state, and federal level that might have an impact on the business community. The GAC is a dynamic volunteer committee of business and community leaders who meet monthly to guide the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce in its public policy positions, such as representing the best interests of business through candidate forums, public policy speakers, and providing grassroots network support.
This committee receives and reviews applications for public policy consideration. The committee makes a recommendation to the board to support or oppose policy.
This committee recommends our legislative priorities, produced for our state legislative agenda, and presented to our Board of Directors for adoption and implementation annually.
Legislative Agenda:
The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce Government Action Committee and the Chamber Board of Directors have unanimously adopted our Legislative Priorities:
Policy Consideration:
The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce Government Action Committee and the Chamber Board of Directors have unanimously adopted our 2025 Legislative Priorities:
Interested in Attending Government Action Committee:
If you would be interested in representing your business and industry in this dynamic and vital committee, please contact Lukas Garcia, Director of Government Affairs, Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Anyone is welcome and encouraged to attend our monthly meetings. Members of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce that wish to become more involved have the opportunity to become advisory voting members. Please call the Chamber for more information or to RSVP (509) 924-4994 or check the calendar to find an upcoming meeting.
Stay Up-to-Date on the 2024 Legislative Session
Our Weekly Update keeps you informed on the progress and details of any bill from the 2024 Legislative Session. Contact our GA team if you have any questions and would like to get more involved.
With just 10 days left in Washington’s 2025 legislative session, bills like HB 2081 and HB 2083 propose major tax and funding changes affecting businesses across sectors. From B&O tax hikes to new sales tax rules, here’s what you need…
Gov. Bob Ferguson opposes Washington’s budget plans, citing excessive tax increases and an untested wealth tax. Facing a $16B shortfall, he demands deep cuts, realistic forecasts, and protection of the rainy day fund to safeguard the state’s triple-A bond rating.…
Spokane projects vie for state funding as lawmakers debate the 2025-27 capital budget. Meanwhile, EHB 1217’s rent control measures could reshape housing markets. Learn which local initiatives are funded, the bill’s burdens on providers, and how to advocate for your…
Washington’s sweeping $10B tax overhaul introduces new business surcharges, property tax reforms, and transportation fee hikes—sparking fierce debate over rising costs and economic competitiveness.
Washington grapples with an $845 million revenue shortfall and a $15 billion operating budget gap, prompting fierce bipartisan budget negotiations. Governor Ferguson’s proposed cuts, Senate Republicans’ “$ave Washington” plan, and looming federal Medicaid reductions all weigh heavily on the current…
At the 2025 legislative midpoint, bills like SB 5041 (striking workers’ benefits) and HB 1213 (small business PFML contributions) advance, raising concerns for employers. Stay updated on how these policies and the looming budget deficit could affect businesses.
Government decisions shape business landscapes. Trump’s tax cuts, like 100% expensing and no tax on tips, aim to boost growth, while Washington’s 2025 bills add compliance challenges. Learn how federal and state policies affect your bottom line and how to…
Explore the newest legislative proposals poised to reshape Washington’s business climate— from a 1% wealth tax on high-net-worth individuals to reclassified self-storage rentals. Learn how these bills could affect your bottom line and prepare for upcoming changes.
During last week’s Spokane regional fly-in to Olympia, one issue repeatedly surfaced in our conversations with lawmakers—Washington’s looming budget crisis.
An update and overview from session in February of 2024. We met with each of our 4th District legislators and also profiled their work throughout the first part of this session.
Explore a detailed analysis of February 2024 school district propositions in Spokane Valley. Understand the impact of levy and bond measures from Central Valley, East Valley, Freeman, and West Valley School Districts on educational quality and infrastructure.
In the November General Election, Spokane County voters decide on Measure 1—an initiative for a Public Safety Sales Tax hike. A ‘yes’ means a 0.2% tax increase (20¢ per $100) on county transactions.
Governor Inslee’s Seven Year Delay Puts Growth and Jobs at Risk (SPOKANE, Wash.) – Leaders in Spokane’s business community joined elected and transportation officials in expressing their concern about the governor’s proposed delays for the North Spokane Corridor (NSC). Governor…
Joint Snake River Dam Letter Last month, we worked with our regional chamber partners to submit comments against the breaching of the Lower Snake River Dam in Southeast Washington. The joint statement was in response to the draft report on…
State Building Code Council New Proposals to Limit Natural Gas in Residential Development Last month (April 2022), the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) voted 11-4 to adopt the two code proposals which ban natural gas for use in space…
Gas Heating will be Restricted in New Commercial Buildings Last Friday, the Washington State Building Code Council voted to adopt revisions to the state’s commercial building code which will require new businesses and apartments to restrict the use of natural…
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