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Two words employers deserve to hear more often | Commentary

Washington businesses are warning that recent tax hikes are driving companies to relocate, with Kris Johnson of the Association of Washington Business noting employers face a growing tax and regulatory burden.
Last year, the Washington Legislature passed the state's largest tax increase in history, totaling $9.4 billion, and lawmakers adopted an income tax this year, a monumental shift in state tax policy.
The Puget Sound region lost 12,900 jobs last year, the largest decline since 2009, while Washington businesses already pay over half of all state and local taxes, higher than the national average.
Some businesses have already relocated, while others are being recruited by other states; Washington businesses support local schools and Little League teams, but often face criticism and outsized blame.
Rather than expanding the state budget, policymakers should shift to a pro-growth agenda to ensure Washington businesses can start, grow, and succeed while preventing investments from leaving.

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