Government Affairs
L & I Rulemaking begins on Salary Threshold for Overtime Exempt Employees
This week the state Department of Labor & Industries held its first stakeholder meeting to begin rulemaking on the salary threshold for Executive, Administrative and Professional exemptions from the Minimum
Major grant awarded to Education Foundation
The Washington Hospitality Association Education Foundation received great news today! The state Department of Commerce announced three winners of the Skilled Worker Awareness grant. The Education Foundation was awarded more
Tip Pooling
On March 23, 2018, Congress passed critical funding legislation that included repealing the tip pool rule that barred certain employers from setting up tip-pooling arrangements under which tipped employees can share
Governor signs tourism bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2018 Washington joins rest of the country with new statewide tourism program OLYMPIA – Washington state is no longer the only state in the U.S.
Congressional Win Addresses Labor Shortage
On March 23, Congress passed funding legislation allowing the Secretary of Homeland Security to raise the H-2B visa cap based on economic need after consulting with the Secretary of Labor.
Top priority tourism legislation headed to governor’s desk
UPDATE: The bill, as Second Engrossed Fourth Substitute Senate Bill 5251 has been concurred in the Senate and is headed to the governor’s desk! OLYMPIA – Engrossed Fourth Substitute Senate
Eye on Hospitality: The Importance of Hill Climb 2018
By: Nicole Vukonich Hill Climb is more than a day filled with briefing presentations and meetings. Hill Climb is all about making connections with your fellow owners and operators in
Hill Climb 2018 is Jan. 29
On January 29th, we invite you to join us at our annual Hill Climb! This is your chance to get your voice heard by your local lawmakers. Your State Government
Service charges
Below is a general overview of service charges. It is not intended as legal advice, and is not an exhaustive discussion of the topic. If you have questions about any
Weekly Update: Big Changes Coming in 2018 – Paid Leave and Minimum Wage
Big Changes Coming in 2018 – Paid Leave and Minimum Wage Washington’s employers are facing some big changes in 2018. Get ready for a new state paid sick leave program
Jobs tax proposal is defeated in Seattle
On Tues., Nov. 14, the Seattle City Council voted on a proposed tax on jobs, and the short-sighted proposal failed in a vote of 5-4. The vote is a victory
Seattle passes a tax on short-term rentals, regulations to come next
On Mon., Nov. 13, the Seattle City Council voted to impose a tax on short-term rentals of $8 per night for a room and $14 per night for an entire
Weekly Update – Elections: Democrats Will Likely Control State Senate in 2018
Election Update: Democrats Will Likely Control State Senate in 2018 All eyes, on Election Night, were on the Senate race in East King County’s 45th Legislative District. Although the final
Weekly Update: Make Your Vote Count: General Election Ballots Due Nov. 7
Make Your Vote Count: General Election Ballots Due Nov. 7 The Washington Hospitality Association urges members to participate in the Nov. 7 general elections. The Association has endorsed candidates in
Seattle mayor proposes city-run retirement plan
Seattle is proposing retirement savings accounts for all employees. Mayor Tim Burgess is seeking to establish a city-run retirement plan. His budget proposal includes funds for a feasibility study and