As we wrap up our Christmas festivities this weekend, we now turn to the next big event — New Year’s Eve and putting behind 2021 and the ringing in of the new year 2022.
This past year has been a doozy. The pandemic was looking like a houseguest who overstayed his welcome and was about to finally leave this summer. Then came Omicron, and the pundits and politicians geared up their campaign to get vaccinated once again. Hopefully, this strain, while way more contagious than Delta, will prove mild in its health impacts and finally Covid will be more of a nuisance annual flu. Let’s cross our fingers.
In the meantime, let’s do what we can to put up with state edicts and stay safe until we know what this new Covid reality means. Be responsible for yourself and those around you. Get informed via a wide variety of informational outlets.
Payroll Tax Christmas Present
Last week businesses received an early Christmas package from our Democrat leaders in Olympia, one that is favorable for business interests.
With much pressure from the public and leaders from both sides of the aisle, Gov. Jay Inslee, the state House and Senate agreed to delay the implementation of the Washington Cares Tax, the 0.58% payroll tax that was set to become a reality on Jan. 1, 2022, just a week away.
“Legislators have identified some areas that need adjustments,” Inslee said. “There is an appetite to refine and improve this bill. And I feel pretty good about having some resolution about that.
“My actions mean that the state will not collect those funds until the Legislature sorts through these issues. While legislation is under consideration to pause the withholding of LTC fees, employers will not be subject to penalties and interest for not withholding fees from employees’ wages during this transition.”
Kudos go to our own 20th District state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, who has spent much effort and time in pushing against the payroll tax. Earlier this month Abbarno pushed hard against the tax and has prefiled five bills aimed to gut the payroll tax for the next session.
Let’s hope in the short session starting in January in Olympia the Legislature will make some permanent cuts to the payroll tax.
My Top Story of the Year?
Along with this column, this month’s The Economic Report features the top business-related stories of 2021. While not listed, because, well, it’s better to be humble, I would be remiss in not adding the selection of Richard DeBolt to the post of Executive Director of the Economic Alliance of Lewis County at the beginning of the year.
The growth of import, membership and activity by The Alliance has been impressive in the past 10 months. Richard has put together an impressive staff. I could point to many successes of The Alliance — a project mapping effort across the county to streamline projects, a new business incubator support program, revitalization of the monthly membership meeting, a first-ever and profitable golf tournament, a county bus tour of some key industries by the board of directors, a vibrant budget, and many others projects both large and small.
Through it all, The Alliance remains with its focus of incubating and attracting responsible growth and building coalitions within our community.
This new year will give us plenty of surprises, both good and bad. This community will thrive throughout it all, as we always do.
One thing I do know? As Yogi Berra said, “The future ain’t what it used to be.”
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Ben Kostick is chair of the LEDC and owner of Ben M. Kostick CPA Inc.
