NFIB Washington

10/13/2026

“The latest Optimism Index is not a great one, but it’s also not a big surprise. Right now, small business owners want to see the outcome of the November 3 election, especially the results on Initiative-645, before making any hiring or capital investment decisions.”

NFIB Washington comment on September 2026 Jobs Report

10/06/2026

Washington state’s leading small business association today announced its support of Initiative 645, which would repeal the new state income tax. The organization’s public awareness campaign will include billboards, digital ads, and a website.

NFIB Washington news release on the launch of the I-645 landing page

10/02/2026

“Many decisions small business owners need to make about their operations are on hold until the November election, especially here in Washington state where the outcome of Initiative 645, which would stop the new income tax, will determine whether local firms can begin hiring and expanding again, or look for new opportunities elsewhere.”

Washington state comment on September Jobs Report

09/08/2026

“A new income tax, hikes in a variety of payroll taxes, and looming increases in base B&O tax rates are not giving small business owners in Washington state anything to be optimistic about. Candidates for the Legislature should be asked repeatedly, ‘What specifically will you do to help Main Street small businesses recover, grow, and create the jobs and opportunities our communities so desperately need?’”

NFIB Washington comment on August 2026 SBET

08/25/2026

"Main Street businesses across our state are suffering as a direct result of poor decisions made in Olympia," said NFIB Washington State Director Patrick Connor. "Quite simply, taxes, labor costs, excessive regulatory obligations, and state-based inflationary pressures are making it too expensive and too difficult for many small firms to add or even maintain jobs. Many simply cannot continue doing business in Washington state and are looking for opportunities elsewhere."

08/14/2026

Patrick Connor, state director for NFIB in Washington, said, “The Department of Ecology and the lower courts got it wrong. The law requires Ecology to provide technical assistance. Instead, bureaucrats created an arbitrary deadline and imposed a fine, failing to provide any meaningful assistance whatsoever. The state Supreme Court must reaffirm that the agency has a legal obligation to assist, not obstruct, landowners seeking to utilize their water rights.”

Amicus Brief on Fode case, Washington state

08/11/2026

“Let’s hope plans to increase employment nationally begin spreading to Washington’s small business owners who have been mired in high labor costs, excessive workplace regulations, and a crushing tax burden that has stagnated job growth for far too long,” said Patrick Connor, state director for NFIB in Washington. “Voters should ask every candidate what specifically they will do to free small businesses in our state to grow and hire again.”

Washington comment on July 2026 SBET

07/31/2026

Leading off the update is a reminder of the temporary relief programs available for qualifying businesses. “The Department of Revenue currently offers several temporary programs that may help eligible businesses come into compliance while reducing or eliminating certain penalties and, in some cases, interest.

Summer 2026 update from the Washington state Dept. of Revenue

07/15/2026

“We urge voters concerned about jobs, affordability, and opportunity for themselves and their families to join us in supporting these outstanding candidates for the State Legislature and Supreme Court.”

NFIB WA PAC pre-primary endorsements for legislature, supreme court

07/14/2026

“It’s easy for officials to claim they support small business. It’s another thing to actually vote with them when faced with tremendous pressure from powerful interest groups, caucus leadership, and partisan colleagues,” said Patrick Connor, state director for NFIB in Washington state. “NFIB’s Guardian Awards recognize those legislators who do more than just talk. They put Main Street, mom-and-pop enterprises first, when it matters most.”

Washington state Guardian of Small Business Alward winners in 2026