State of Washington County Business Discussion with Washington County State Legislators

State of Washington County Business Discussion with Washington County State Legislators Thursday, January 6, 2022

Thank You To Our Sponsors

Fordham & Co, LLP relys on over 50 years of consistent service providing professional services to businesses and individuals. At the heart of Fordham & Co, LLP’s success is the success of their clients. And They take that very personally.

The goal of Fordham & Co, LLP is to provide more than the traditional accounting services. They are strategic partners in the success of their clients and treat their businesses as if they were their own. Each of their professional staff hold certifications in the disciplines they consult in. Through these certifications and the continuing commitment to further our knowledge in these disciplines, it allows Fordham & Co, LLP to ensure their clients receive the most current and targeted professional advice. https://fordham.com/

INLINE Commercial Construction performs general construction services in both the private and public sectors throughout Oregon and SW Washington. From concept to closeout and tenant improvements to new construction, their diverse project experience provides us with a comprehensive construction and safety knowledge.

INLINE actively supports company-wide and individual employee involvement in our community.

Community involvement promotes and builds teamwork among all levels and divisions of the company. We have a long history of giving back both to the design and construction industry and the community at large. https://www.inline-cc.com/

Agenda Opening Remarks

Josh Tompkins, Chair of the Public Policy Committee,

Washington County Chamber Sponsor Spotlight

Fordham & Company LLP Sponsor Spotlight

Inline Commercial Construction Inc. Panel 1: Effects of COVID-19 on Business & Best Practices

Dianne Danowski Smith, President of Publix Northwest, Beaverton Area Chamber •Jelana Canfield, Owner & Managing Member at Jelana’s Bake Shop •Maria Halstead, Senior Manager, Property Management, Washington Square •Sara Rosenbaum-Murry, Managing Director, Greatroom Panel 2: Workforce Challenges

Tom Markgraf, Director Governmental Affairs, TriMet,

Tigard Chamber GAPP Committee Chair •Ken Madden, VP of Marketing Madden Industrial •James J. (Jim) McLean, Qorvo, Qorvo Corporate Sr. Manager/Facilities Engineering •Carlos Cortes, Owner of Casa Lola & Grill 68 Panel 3: Tax Policies and Economic Development

Steve Krautscheid, OHSU Hillsboro Medical Center, Director of Community

Outreach and Engagement, Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber •Joaquin Castaneda, Genentech Senior Manager, State &

Local Government Affairs •Katie Eyre, Certified Public Accountant Fordham & Company LLP •Sarah Streeter, Co-Owner/General Manager Specialty Heating & Cooling, LLC Audience Questions & Answers

Nina Carlson, NW Natural, Wilsonville/Sherwood Chamber Closing Remarks

Susan Noack, Board Chair, Tualatin Chamber

Legislators

Senator Kate Lieber

Senator Elizabeth Steiner Hayward

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1714 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-417, Salem, Oregon 97301 Email: Sen.KateLieber@oregonlegislature.gov Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/ lieber

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1717 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-213, Salem, Oregon 97301 District Mailing Address: PO Box 2281, Portland, Oregon 97208 Email: Sen.ElizabethSteinerHayward@oregonlegislature.gov Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/ steinerhayward

Democrat - District 14 - Beaverton

Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner Democrat - District 19 - Lake Oswego

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1719 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-223, Salem, Oregon 97301 Email: Sen.RobWagner@oregonlegislature.gov Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/ wagner

Democrat - District 17 - NW Portland/Beaverton

Representative Ronald H. Noble Republican - District 24 - McMinnville

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1424 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-380, Salem, Oregon 97301 Email: Rep.RonNoble@oregonlegislature.gov Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/ noble

Legislators

Representative Jessica George Republican - District 25 – St. Paul

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1425 Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-479, Salem, OR 97301 Email: Rep.JessicaGeorge@oregonlegislature. gov Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/ george

Representative Courtney Neron

Democrat - District 26 - Aloha, Beaverton, Hillsboro, King City, Newberg, Scholls, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin, Wilsonville Capitol Phone:503-986-1426 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-281, Salem, Oregon 97301 Email:Rep.CourtneyNeron@oregonlegislature. gov Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/ neron

Representative Sheri Schouten

Representative - Wlnsvey Campos

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1427 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-280, Salem, Oregon 97301 Email: Rep.SheriSchouten@oregonlegislature. gov Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/ schouten

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1428 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-285, Salem, Oregon 97301 Email: Rep.WlnsveyCampos@oregonlegislature. gov Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/ Campos

Democrat - District 27 - Beaverton

Democrat - District 28 - Aloha

Legislators

Representative Susan McLain

Representative Janeen Sollman

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1429 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-477, Salem, Oregon 97301 Email: rep.susanmclain@oregonlegislature.gov Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/ mclain

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-487, Salem, Oregon 97301 Email: Rep.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature. gov Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/ sollman

Representative Ken Helm

Representative Dacia Grayber

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1434 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-490, Salem, Oregon 97301 Email: rep.kenhelm@oregonlegislature.gov Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/ helm

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1435 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-492, Salem, Oregon 97301 Email: Rep.DaciaGrayber@oregonlegislature.gov Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/ grayber

Democrat - District 29 - Hillsboro

Democrat - District 34 - Washington County

Democrat - District 30 - Hillsboro

Democrat - District 35 - Tigard

Legislators

Representative Rachel Prusak Democrat - District 37 - Tualatin / West Linn

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1437 Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-489, Salem, Oregon 97301 Email: Rep.RachelPrusak@oregonlegislature.gov Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/ prusak

2022 State Business Advocacy Agenda Adopted 12/8/21

2022 Legislative Priorities - State Transportation Tigard and the SW Corridor needs reliable, efficient, safe transportation infrastructure that can handle our current population/usage, our forecasted growth and maintains our Oregon quality of life. Multiple modes need to considered, planned for and integrated. Change is inevitable, we need to manage the change for healthy, thriving communities and robust economic growth.

The projects listed below are considered high priorities for the Tigard Business community and will need significant financial support from the state and possible federal levels.

• • • • •

99W Corridor Study $1M in funding – Tigard, Tualatin, King City, Sherwood, TriMet, ODOT and Washington County Jurisdictional Transfer of Hall Blvd and associated funding for City of Tigard SW Corridor Light Rail Project North Main Street Improvement Bridge and Trail improvements

Broadband and Digital Access

The impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have shown business at least 2 things. Remote workers on a large scale is possible, productive and cost effective. It has also shown that improved broadband and digital access is needed widely as most employees don’t live in the same city that they work. This requires a robust reliable network. This will be important to our future recovery as well as increasing equitable access to jobs.

Behavioral Health Programs and Homelessness Prevention

Communities across the state are feeling the effects of the proliferation of homelessness, much of which stems from lack of available treatment options for people suffering from behavioral health issues. This impacts our economy in the form of increased police calls, overcrowding in jails for non-criminal behavior, public safety for both customers, employees and residents and those suffering from these challenges. We support programs, projects and legislation that will provide funding to existing and future private and not for profit entities on a regional level, delivering both behavioral health and housing solutions.

Workforce Housing

Support increased availability and affordability of workforce housing. The lack of affordable housing options for local employees is a top-tier concern for local business communities across the state. Not only is there a shortage of local affordable housing, there is a shortage of local market-rate housing as well. We will support viable measures to increase housing supply. This has a direct economic impact to our state and our business community

Environment/Sustainability

There needs to be a balance between improvement of our environment/sustainability at a state level and how those improvements get funded, who pays the bill and what it costs both businesses and other taxpayers. We would look to legislation that is fair and equitable to all parties.

Child Care and Workforce Availability/Capacity Prior to the pandemic Oregon was a childcare desert, with demand far exceeding the supply of childcare, as well as an imbalance in affordable options relative to family income levels. The pandemic with workplace shutdowns, job losses and online school further exacerbated this issue. This is a statewide issue and directly affects both our state and local economies. We would support legislation or incentives that encourages the creation of additional childcare capacity whether in 3rd party providers, by employers, our schools or other organizations.

Employer Issues

Small business pays the largest price when the state mandates pay and benefits. These mandates take away Oregon’s competitive advantage across the nation and stifles business growth and expansion, negatively impacting our local economy. Small businesses have further paid the higher price of government mandates/executive orders because of the coronavirus pandemic. We advocate to control or oppose the addition of employer paid benefits or mandates.

Tax Issues/Reforms

In keeping with these two guidelines • •

The use of taxes should be fair and equitable in providing services and programs that benefit the economic growth and the health and welfare of citizens.

As a general rule, overall government expenditures should not grow at rates greater than populations and inflation, or rates exceeding growth in income.

Support a balanced budget through the use of spending reforms (PERS, Medicaid, Personnel Costs) – Oppose Taxes not supported by the business community.

Business has already been hard hit by the impacts of COVID-19 Executive orders, restrictions and closures. Now is not the time to look to the business community for any revenue raising.

As a counterpoint, the state should be looking to make business whole for the economic impacts of government dictated restrictions/closures.

Washington County Chamber 2022 Legislative Priorities Economic Growth | Inclusivity | Collaboration | Fiscal Responsibility

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce urges the Oregon State Legislature to consider our Guiding Principles and engage our members in policy conversations and decisions during the 2022 Legislative Session.

WHO WE ARE

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce is the independent, significant voice of the Washington County area’s thriving business community, which is considered the economic engine of Oregon. We are a member-driven organization, proud to represent more than 800 small businesses, large employers and nonprofits operating in Washington County, ranging from local restaurants and auto repair shops to high-tech manufacturers. The businesses we represent are integral to making Washington County an economically prosperous, safe, healthy and innovative place to live, work and play.

OUR LEGISLATIVE FOCUS

After another long year of navigating a global pandemic, it’s evident the businesses of Oregon still need assistance and support from the Legislature. In 2021, many businesses were relieved to begin to return to a pre-pandemic lifestyle thanks to the roll out of a highly effective vaccine and a concerted effort of strict adherence to OHA and CDC safety guidelines. Despite those efforts, many businesses have not been able to return to the standard they were used to and now face new challenges, such as major workforce shortages and supply chain disruption. It has never been more difficult or expensive to staff and operate a business then right now. With these issues in mind, we ask the Oregon State Legislature to promote policy that assists businesses of Oregon. Additional costs and regulations on businesses due to new taxes, fee increases or changes in business operations could be devastating and harmful to economic recovery.

It is important that we continue to build meaningful relationships with our state legislators, giving us the opportunity to educate them on potentially impactful public policy.

OUR VALUES

Our mission is to promote business prosperity and a healthy, equitable, inclusive and diverse community in Washington County by providing information, services and advocacy for our members. https://www.washingtoncountychamberor.com/

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES Economic Health Promote policies that enable businesses of all sizes to thrive and grow.

Inclusivity Engage and listen to business stakeholders on those policies that impact how Collaboration Fiscal Responsibility

employers can operate.

Develop policies collaboratively with a willingness to consider alternative paths and compromise agreements Prioritize State spending based on intended outcomes and results to create a more balanced, stable budget and verify that spending goals are met.

CONTACT

Please contact us for context to our legislative positions and to engage the Chamber and our members in policy discussions. Zach Lindahl, Director of Public Policy & Government Relations: e| zachl@wcchamber.org c | 360-931-9944

Advocacy & Policy Development Sponsors

Washington County Chamber 2022 Legislative Priorities Economic Growth | Inclusivity | Collaboration | Fiscal Responsibility COVID-19 Vaccination Proof

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, there is the potential that the state may require proof of vaccination to enter certain businesses Monitor:

Legislation that would require businesses to check customers/clients for proof of vaccination, as it could be costly or effect business operations.

Education and Workforce

Washington County, and the State of Oregon, face a major issue with a workforce shortage and the disruption in the global supply chain.

Support: Legislation that would prepare and enhance the workforce of Oregon.

Support: Repeal:

Legislation that would provide a tax credit or incentive to those who support qualified workforce training organizations.

Senate Bill 744, which removed math and English graduation requirements as it harms the workforce.

Tax Policies & Economic Development

Tax policies must consider research, data and the voices of the business community and show a direct result to make Oregon recover. Economic development tools, tax increases and tax credits have a direct impact on employers - their ability to stay in business, grow their employees, hire new employees and expand.

Priority: Any tax increase, added burdens, or adjustments to an economic development incentive must be developed in collaboration and in consensus with a broad-based business community.

Support: Legislation that preserves and supports State and local tools to help businesses expand and hire new employees, including the strategic investment program, urban renewal and enterprise zones.

Oppose: Any changes to economic development tools, such as the SIP or enterprise zones that are not developed in consensus with a broad base of the business community.

Transportation & Infrastructure Investments

Strategic investments in transportation and vital infrastructure will spur job and economic development growth throughout Oregon. Legislators Priority: The State Legislators should seek out opportunities to fund transportation system upgrades in accordance with the Oregon Constitution, maintenance and roadway project development. Funding vital infrastructure projects will infuse Oregon communities with badly needed investments resulting in an increase in local spending.