Latest news with #HouseBill1564
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Multiple Arkansas bills target motor racing regulation
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A wild west of motor vehicle racing is getting plenty of attention from state lawmakers this session. From the race track to a tract of legislation. Both are asking where to accelerate or put on the brakes. Currently, there are at least three bills that would regulate it. Track owners have gotten one withdrawn, asked for another's removal, and praised the third. Malvern motocross complex aims to become national hub for sport Jerry Bradley owns The Ridge Off-Road Park in Bradford. He convinced Rep. Wayne Long (Bradford-R) to withdraw House Bill 1564 Wednesday. The legislation would have added a noise restriction, quiet hours, and liability insurance requirement to include all motocross, ATV tracks, truck or automobile racing tracks. 'ATV side-by-side motocross cycles I mean they use is just becoming extremely popular after Covid you know and I think that's why there's so many bills concerning the regulation of them,' Bradford said. Homeowners around Diamond State Moto Complex near Malvern have been asking for restrictions for months. In December many, including Raymond Tanner, said it is unfair the business can disrupt their lives so easily. 'Tell me when do the people of the community not have the rights? Why do the people moving in making all the noise have a say so over us?' Tanner asked. House Bill 1567 sponsored by Representative Rick McClure (Malvern (R)) is still in committee. It would apply the existing rural truck and automobile racing facilities code to ATV and motocross race facilities. New permits would need to be issued with public notifications and hearings. That permit would need renewal each year and the county judge would weigh the benefits of the facility with the impact it has to property around it. Sheridan 6-year-old taking passion for motocross racing nationwide, competing in amateur nationals Diamond State Moto Complex has come out against it saying in part: 'A renewal process…could subject us to license revocation each year. If passed, these Bills will render operation of our facility and similar facilities across the state unfeasible and our investment in this community a total loss.' The complex is in favor of House Bill 1465 sponsored by Representative Justin Gonzalez (Okolona (R)). It would recognize the inherent risk of participating in motocross and remove liability from the track owners in most cases of injury or death. Bradford would like to his that extend to parks like his. 'I think it all should be grouped into one you know one term that covers all of those that would that would simplify the law,' Bradford said. Hopefully making the twists and turns more navigable for owners, racers, and neighbors. 'Because right now the way the laws are written is pretty complicated honestly,' Bradford explained. Hot Spring County locals raise complaints with motocross complex KARK 4 News contacted Long and McClure for comment. Neither responded as of the time of this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Investing in child care would be a win for Washington's economy and working families
Washington's working families and businesses face a persistent challenge: access to affordable and reliable child care. This isn't just a family issue. It's an economic one. When parents struggle to find care, they struggle to remain in the workforce. Businesses, utilities and industries suffer from lost productivity and unnecessary turnover. The numbers are staggering. Washington's working families lose an estimated $1.3 billion in earnings every year due to a lack of child care options. Washington employers lose $2.8 billion annually in productivity costs tied to absenteeism, turnover and underemployment. Three in 10 Washington parents report workplace discipline resulting from child care disruptions, and one in four has been fired or let go as a direct result of unreliable care. In total, our state's economy suffers an estimated $5 billion annual loss due to inadequate child care infrastructure. We can't afford to ignore this crisis any longer. Working parents deserve better. Washington businesses deserve better. Our economy needs solutions that prioritize stability, accessibility and immediate action. Rather than relying on bloated, government-run programs that take years to implement and rarely deliver promised results, direct action is the right approach. A model that allows and even encourages businesses utilities, and other employers to directly assist employees with child care costs or establish onsite child care options is a powerful and immediate solution. When employers can support their workforce in this way, it leads to better employee retention, stronger workplace morale, and a more stable economy. That's why I introduced House Bill 1564, which provides tax incentives to businesses investing in child care support. Under this plan, businesses that assist employees with child care costs through direct subsidies or establishing onsite child care would receive a 100% credit against their business and occupation tax. This ensures that dollars generated by businesses stay within their workforce, providing immediate relief to working families while promoting workforce stability. Because businesses can deploy these funds far faster and more efficiently than the state, families benefit from rapid, targeted support. Instead of waiting for top-down mandates or vague promises of future funding, we need to invest in solutions now, where they are needed most. This approach is novel, practical and entirely doable. Some may argue that incentivizing businesses to provide child care comes with a cost. The Department of Revenue estimates it could cost the state over $100 million annually in foregone tax revenue — assuming 52,000 employers take advantage of the credit. Let's be honest. If 52,000 businesses in Washington step up to support child care, that's not a loss. That's a win. That means hundreds of thousands of working families are receiving support, businesses are seeing higher retention rates and a stronger workforce is driving our economy forward. The return on investment is clear: skilled employees stay in the workforce, increased tax revenues from higher earnings and a reduced reliance on government assistance. Investing in child care is investing in Washington's future. Even in tight budget years, we must prioritize innovative solutions that keep parents working and businesses thriving. Fixing Washington starts with real solutions that empower people, not more government inefficiencies. This isn't about politics. It's about practical, immediate solutions that benefit everyone. Business leaders, workers and policymakers across the spectrum recognize that a stable workforce is the key to economic success. When businesses take ownership of the problem and help solve it, the results are faster, more effective and more sustainable than any state-run alternative. Washington has a choice: let government mandates and bureaucracy slow progress or empower businesses and communities to take meaningful action today. By supporting HB 1564, we can keep families in the workforce, strengthen our economy and ensure that child care is no longer a barrier to success. Fixing Washington starts with investing in solutions that work. Let's put our priorities where they belong — with Washington's working families. Rep. Joshua Penner represents the 31st Legislative District and is serving his first term in the Washington legislature.
