Washington Business Leaders Set Legislative Agenda Amid Health Care Crisis
Spokane, WA – The Association of Washington Business (AWB) gathered at the Davenport Grant Hotel for its annual 2025 Policy Summit, where key priorities for the upcoming legislative session were laid out, with a strong focus on the pressing issues within the health care system of the state.
Emily Wittman, AWB’s Government Affairs Director, emphasized the severe financial strain on Washington’s health care landscape, particularly hospitals, citing recent tax hikes as a major contributor. “I just can’t emphasize enough the financial crisis that our health care system is in,” Wittman stated, drawing attention to the recently passed House Bill 2081, which will see a substantial increase in the advanced computing charge—rising from 1.22% to 7.5% starting January 1, 2026. This significant financial burden is expected to further exacerbate costs for health care providers.
The announcement comes amid concerns that rate increases in the individual health care market—approved at 21%—are pushing employers and employees alike into a troubling financial landscape. “The average increase for employer-sponsored healthcare stands at 6.5%,” she noted, illustrating how the expenses of providing employee benefits are climbing beyond manageable limits.
Wittman expressed AWB’s commitment to addressing these rising costs and plans to present lawmakers with a list of regulations contributing to the health care crisis in hopes of fostering a more favorable environment for both patients and providers.
Additionally, the summit featured comments from Max Martin, AWB’s government affairs director focusing on technology and tax policy. He highlighted the significant backlash against a new sales tax on digital advertising services and the implications it may have for the state budget. “It was eye-opening to see a nearly $9.4 billion revenue package come together so quickly and late in session,” Martin remarked, underlining the potential financial chaos if the pending lawsuit against the bill leads to changes.
Reflecting on the Importance of Stewardship
This gathering and discourse on health care costs remind us of the biblical principle of stewardship—of resources, relationships, and responsibilities. Through thoughtful governance and community engagement, these leaders are called upon to navigate the financial realities facing businesses and citizens alike.
Proverbs 21:5 offers a timely reminder: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” This scripture emphasizes the importance of careful planning and deliberate action in governance, urging leaders to diligently seek solutions that benefit the community and economy.
As we look ahead, let us be encouraged to reflect on how we, too, can practice stewardship in our lives. Whether it’s managing our resources wisely or supporting local businesses, every small action contributes to the greater good. May we approach these challenges with hope and a spirit of collaboration, drawing from the strengths of our communities to pursue solutions that align with shared values of compassion and integrity.
Explore and dig up answers yourself with our BGodInspired App. Be careful – each interaction is like a new treasure hunt… you can get lost for hours 🙂
