AGC WORKS: State budget: taxes, furloughs now on the table | Certified-payroll updates

Taxes, furloughs on the table
as state budget tanks
State revenues will drop nearly $9 billion over the next three years, according to the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council in a recent forecast. Revenue for the current 2019-21 biennial budget will decrease $4.5 billion, while revenues for the 2021-23 state budget would be reduced by $4.3 billion.
Revenues are now projected at approximately $47.8 billion for the current two-year state budget cycle, which began July 1, 2019. The precipitous decline in projected revenues would leave the state with a net $1.4 billion shortfall — when reserves are factored in — at the end of biennium... Read more.

Updates to certified payroll system

L&I’s Contractor Portal is now updated with increased validation plus a speedier filing process when filing or uploading certified-payroll reports. These updates include SSN validation, including additional constraints and validation on the SSN to meet the law as outlined in RCW 39.12.120, which requires the full 9-digit social security number of the employee. SSNs in the following format will not be accepted as per the Social Security Administration: Start with “9”, “666”, “000” or have “00” in positions 4-5 or have “0000” in positions 6-9... Read more.

WSDOT proposes 19% DBE participation on federal highway projects
WSDOT is proposing new overall goals for disadvantaged business participation on all federally funded projects and is accepting written comments on the proposals through Friday, July 24. The proposed goals are 19% DBE participation on FHWA-funded projects, 4.8% for FTA-funded projects, and 10.4% for FAA-funded projects.
More background information and the proposed overall DBE goals are available at these links:
Federal Highways Administration funded projects
Federal Transit Administration funded projects
Federal Aviation Administration funded projects
These goals are for projects from Oct. 1, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2023. WSDOT is inviting contractors, labor and trade organizations, small and disadvantaged businesses, and others interested in working with the agency to attend one of its upcoming informational meetings regarding the proposed DBE goals... Read more.

AGC of Washington is celebrating Culture of CARE Awareness Week, July 6-10! You can participate now by talking about your company Culture of CARE via social media using #AGCCultureofCARE, ordering hardhat stickers and printing posters. To learn more about Awareness Week resources aimed at helping you talk about diversity and inclusion with your workforce, please visit our Culture of CARE website or contact Sonja Forster.
Culture of CARE resources of the week:

Why should leaders care about diversity and inclusion?

The business case for diversity & inclusion in the construction industry

Three ways leaders can lead office conversations on racism, justice

About Culture of CARE

Culture of CARE works to boost diversity and inclusion, overcome racial inequalities
Started at AGC of Washington three years ago, AGC of America’s Culture of CARE initiative is being recognized and utilized as national forum for progress on racial inequalities in the construction industry. Culture of CARE helps to boost inclusiveness and diversity in the construction industry by helping firms create more welcoming workplace environments to boost innovation, safety and profitability. ENR’s managing editor Scott Blair sat down (virtually) with Brynn Huneke, AGC's director of diversity & inclusion and member engagement, and Brian Turmail, vice president of public affairs & strategic initiatives, to talk about what the program means for companies that sign the pledge to participate, and how the program addresses current events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide protests to overcome racial injustices. Read more…

Contractors pledge to combat
racial inequality
(ENR) Construction firms across the country are responding to recent protests against police brutality and racial injustice with statements calling for an end to inequity and with programs to attract and retain diverse team members.
Turner Construction has posted messages of support on its websites and on social media. "Recent events are a stark and painful reminder of the consequences of on-going, undeniable racism that exists in our communities," wrote Turner CEO Peter Davoren. Daniel L. Johnson, CEO, and David C. Mortenson, chairman, of Minneapolis-based Mortenson, signed a statement from 29 Minnesota-based companies... Read more.