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February 12, 2019

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Republicans have long been the champions of small business owners. We need these businesses to succeed. Denying the rights of independent contractors or sole proprietors to manage their own businesses is not good for the people of Washington or the economy.

Unfortunately, small independent business owners in our state are under attack.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be forced out of being an owner-stylist,” was one of several statements heard in the Senate Committee on Labor and Commerce several days ago when hairstylists came from across the state to protest a bill that endangered their livelihood.

Thankfully, after hearing from hundreds of cosmetologists, the sponsor of the bill withdrew it. However, other bills that could do as much, if not more, damage are still under consideration at the Legislature.

House Bill 1515 and its companion, Senate Bill 5513 go even further.

The so-called “Universal Workers Act” authored by SEIU 775 and sponsored by House and Senate Democrats would restrict many small businesses currently classified as independent contractors from operating and managing their own business.

Under those bills, independent contractors would no longer be able to set their own hours or determine for themselves what to charge for their services. Some businesses that would be affected include general contractors, builders, truckers, pet care services, physical therapists, rideshare drivers, realtors, cosmetologists and many others.

The proposals call for the state to set “base wage rates” and create a “workers board” that would determine benefits, working conditions and other labor standards. Anyone found functioning outside of those guidelines would be fined and penalized.

It's difficult to believe bills like this, making it nearly impossible to be self-employed, are even being heard in Olympia.

Join us tonight for a telephone town hall

Please join Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale, and I tonight, Tuesday,  Feb. 12,  for a telephone town hall meeting. We will be discussing this and several other public policy topics being debated at the state Capitol.

The telephone town hall meeting will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Many 14th District residents will receive an invitation by phone just before the call begins. To call-in simply dial (509) 404-3052.

Telephone town halls are much like a radio call-in program. To ask a question, callers can press the STAR * key on their telephone keypads. When your turn comes up, you will be “live” and can ask us any of your questions.

If you have any questions about how to participate, please do not hesitate to give me a call. My contact information is listed below.

Thank you for allowing me to represent you in Olympia!

Sincerely,

Chris Corry