Published: Sunday, July 7, 2013, 12:01 a.m.<\/p>\n
There were victories in workforce training and education and certain tax exemptions that benefit maintenance, repair and overhaul companies like Everett's Aviation Technical Services. But transportation, a key priority for the industry as oft-mentioned by Gov. Jay Inslee, fell by the wayside on the final day of the session last weekend. <\/p>\n
Linda Lanham, executive director of the Aerospace Futures Alliance, an industry lobbying group, overall was upbeat about the implications for the state's aerospace supply chain. <\/p>\n
\"I think we did really well,\" Lanham said, noting successes on workforce training and the aforementioned tax exemption. \"We got several bills that helped a lot of the suppliers.\" <\/p>\n
As for how the state's largest aerospace company, Boeing, might view the session, Lanham wasn't optimistic. The lobbyist expressed disappointment that a compromise couldn't be reached on pollution standards on water discharged by large facilities like Boeing's Renton and Everett factories. Boeing and other aerospace companies were pushing for a study on fish consumption to re-examine whether tougher standards are actually necessary. <\/p>\n
\"I'd be concerned about what kind of message that sends Chicago,\" home of Boeing's corporate headquarters, \"about our competitiveness,\" Lanham said. <\/p>\n
Here's a look at the Legislature's aerospace-related action, and inaction, this year in Olympia: <\/p>\n
Passed: Workforce development, tax exemptions <\/p>\n
In February, Inslee addressed the industry for the first time as governor, speaking to about 400 aerospace leaders at a conference in Lynnwood. <\/p>\n
\"The most important thing I can do is to provide skilled workers to you,\" he told them. <\/p>\n
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Aerospace industry wins and loses in Olympia<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Published: Sunday, July 7, 2013, 12:01 a.m. Continue reading