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Each day, our elected officials make decisions that directly affect businesses and shape the landscape in which they operate. From tax policy to regulatory oversight, these decisions can drive growth or impose new burdens.
Consider tax policy: Federal leaders will determine what individuals and businesses must pay in the coming years. In his first speech to a joint session of Congress, President Trump mentioned taxes 19 times, a clear signal of their priority in his economic agenda.
Trump pledged to cut taxes on domestic production and manufacturing, advocating for 100% expensing, retroactive to January 20, 2025. Also known as 100% bonus depreciation, this provision allows businesses to immediately deduct the full cost of qualifying capital investments, rather than spreading depreciation over years. The goal is to encourage reinvestment and capital expenditures, stimulating economic activity.
Further tax proposals include making interest payments on car loans tax-deductible—but only for American-made vehicles. Trump also called for no tax on tips, overtime pay, or Social Security benefits. These policies, if enacted, would have significant financial impacts on workers, retirees, and employers.
Trump additionally pledged to make permanent income tax cuts, reinforcing a broader economic strategy of lowering tax burdens to stimulate growth. These decisions hold operational and fiscal implications for millions of American businesses and households.
While many of Trump’s proposed measures can be enacted via Executive Order, Congress must approve any tax package or funding plan. This is where the legislative process determines which proposals become law and how federal spending is allocated. Our Senators and Representatives will vote on these measures, making advocacy crucial.
Included in each year’s funding plan is Congressionally Directed Spending, which distributes federal funds to local projects that drive economic development, infrastructure improvements, public safety, education, and healthcare. These allocations are direct examples of government action affecting communities and businesses. Organizations seeking federal investment should engage early to position their projects for funding.
If you submit a request, supporting documents can be sent to appropriations@murray.senate.gov.
The deadline for applications is April 1st at 11:59 PM PT.
If you have a project that may qualify for federal investment, our office can assist in coordinating advocacy efforts, securing letters of support, and strategizing a funding campaign.
Government Action Is Not Just a Federal Matter
In 2025, Washington’s legislative session is advancing sweeping policy proposals that introduce new compliance requirements and financial risks for businesses. Here are five key bills illustrating the challenges:
HB 1059 / SB 5463 – Industrial Insurance Duties
These companion bills tighten the rules for self-insured employers and third-party administrators. By enforcing strict standards of good faith—with penalties that can multiply drastically for repeat violations—businesses face increased administrative burdens and potential financial risks if they misstep.
HB 1217 / SB 5222 – Tenant Protections & Housing Stability
Designed to stabilize the rental market, these bills cap rent and fee increases, mandate advance notice for any hikes, and impose additional administrative requirements on landlords and property managers. For real estate investors and rental businesses, these measures translate into reduced flexibility and tighter margins.
HB 1155 / SB 5437 – Restricting Noncompetition Agreements
By voiding noncompetition clauses and clarifying the narrow limits of nonsolicitation agreements, these bills aim to enhance workforce mobility. While promoting employee freedom, they disrupt long-established talent retention strategies and may lead to higher turnover, altering competitive dynamics.
SB 5061 – Prevailing Wage for Public Works
This bill mandates that public works contracts pay at least the prevailing wage at the time of performance. Contractors and firms bidding on government projects must now factor in potentially higher labor costs, which can impact profitability and project pricing.
HB 1409 – Clean Fuels Program Enhancements
This bill imposes new standards on transportation fuels, targeting a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2038. It sets aggressive annual targets and strict penalties for non-compliance, forcing fuel providers and related businesses to invest in costly upgrades and innovative solutions to meet environmental mandates.
What's next
To stay informed, consider subscribing to our Government Action Committee email list. This will provide regular updates, meeting agendas, and insights on federal, state, and local policy developments affecting businesses.
Government action is constant, and understanding its impact is not optional—it is a necessity.
