Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout020226 The WSTA WeeklyALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Sales Tax on events? State Legislative Update, Spring Maintenance Forum, Spring Committee Season, Federal Updates, and Transit Jobs Vol. 11, Issue 3 January 31, 2026 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/c50043d61294/the-wsta-weekly-17993584?e=850008f825> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/0215a8c9-44a7-2be0-30d1-b2a80c32f66a.png> Why Are You Being Charged Sales Tax on Events? ________________________________ See DOR Guidance HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9476a5cfa8&e=850008f825> As of October 1, 2025, WSTA began collecting sales tax on “live presentations” to comply with a new state law passed during the 2025 legislative session. Because nearly every WSTA event includes a live presentation, sales tax must now be collected for almost all events we host. The tax rate applied is based on the local jurisdiction where the event is held—not the location of WSTA headquarters. With more than 60 events held annually across the state, the applicable sales tax rate will vary by event. This requirement applies to all WSTA Board and Committee meetings, as well as larger events such as the Spring Maintenance Forum, Dispatch Fourm, TNLI events and the State Public Transportation Conference, Vendor Expo, and Roadeo. This is strictly a pass-through charge. WSTA collects the sales tax at registration and remits it quarterly to the Washington State Department of Revenue. We recognize this may create a financial burden for members; please know it also creates a significant administrative burden for WSTA. Legislation currently moving through the 2026 legislative session may provide certain exemptions. However, these would not be blanket exemptions and would introduce additional nuances. Nothing will be finalized unless and until the Governor signs such legislation into law. <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/723df378-2e8a-6d24-f2a1-f33286c2c39f.png> By Mike Shaw, WSTA Lobbyist Monday, February 2nd, is the 22nd day of session, with 38 days of session left. The following Wednesday is the policy committee deadline heralding the end of those bills not yet voted out of committee. A week later, February 9th, the fiscal committee cutoff arrives, laying waste to more bills – particularly those that would cost the state money during a $2.3 billion shortfall. Good times. The WSTA board was in town on Monday, January 26th, and they heard from the Transportation Committee chairs, Rep. Fey and Sen. Liias, ranking member Sen. King and vice-chair Rep. Reed. Moreover, members of the Governor’s staff, Megan Cotton and Erik Hansen, briefed the board on the Governor’s priorities and budget outlook. They shocked many of us by pointing out that the transportation share of the climate commitment act (CCA) funds will dwindle substantially by the year 2030. A large portion of that revenue currently funds transit programs – from the transit support grants to special needs funding. As mentioned earlier, next week, is mostly policy committee action on bills (executive session in legislative parlance) when amendments are offered and bills are put to a vote. The fiscal committees will then sort through those bills with fiscal impacts. Here are the hearings of note: Local Government (Senate) - SHR 3 and Virtual JACB - 2/2 @ 1:30pm SB 6309 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=57bc475cfa&e=850008f825> - Exec Session - Providing for enhanced municipal permitting tools for high capacity transit projects. A Sound Transit priority. Transportation (Senate) - SHR 1 and Virtual J.A. Cherberg - 2/2 @ 4:00pm SB 6253 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=46746a83fc&e=850008f825> - Public Hearing - Concerning public transportation benefit area governing bodies. WSTA will be testifying against the bill. Civil Rights & Judiciary (House) - HHR A and Virtual JLOB - 2/3 @ 10:30am HB 2095 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=219eef9183&e=850008f825> - Exec Session - Protecting vulnerable users of public ways. There are liability concerns with this bill. Local Government (House) - HHR E and Virtual JLOB - 2/3 @ 10:30am HB 2517 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f22f158b9a&e=850008f825> - Exec Session - Providing for enhanced municipal permitting tools for high capacity transit projects. The House version of SB 6309, a Sound Transit priority. Transportation (Senate) - SHR 1 and Virtual J.A. Cherberg - 2/3 @ 4:00pm ESHB 1980 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=273b589602&e=850008f825> - Public Hearing - Allowing certain private employer transportation services to use certain public transportation facilities. The prime sponsor, Rep. Zahn, has worked with WSTA and accepted numerous amendments. WSTA will be neutral on the bill. SB 6252 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d75c7a589e&e=850008f825> - Public Hearing - Adding certain students at certain community and technical colleges to the passengers that must be allowed to ride transit for free under the transit support grant program. This is the senate version of HB 2550 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage .com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=211276fca3&e=850008f825> . WSTA testified “other” on HB 2550 and is working with the prime sponsor, Rep. Taylor, on alternatives and implementation problems. Local Government (House) - HHR E and Virtual JLOB - 2/4 @ 8:00am HB 2517 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=60dd6de770&e=850008f825> - Exec Session - Providing for enhanced municipal permitting tools for high capacity transit projects. (see February 3 hearing). Registration Now Open for Associate Members and Agency Attendees <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/9479d8a6-40eb-dc30-5c94-b67d44802785.png> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0390f127e8&e=850008f825> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/27544fb0-86cb-4eb4-a6fb-8958be87599c.png> Registation and Information Now Available WSTA Clerks of the Authority Februray 23 Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6031d57c9c&e=850008f825> WSTA Public Rideshare Committee February 26-27 Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=67b69b9dfd&e=850008f825> WSTA Operations Committee March 4-6 Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=abdbd388f7&e=850008f825> WSTA Roadeo Steering Committee March 11 Ellensburg, WA Email will be sent to Cmt. TNLI Meet and Greet March 18 Virtual WSTA HR Roundtable Committee March 19 - 20 Bellingham, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=779c7469b8&e=850008f825> WSTA Finance Officers Leadership Committee March 25 Ellensburg, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9df4a9bb1d&e=850008f825> WSTA Maintenance & Facilities Committee March 31 Tulalip, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e055c88207&e=850008f825> WSTA Spring Maintenance Forum April 1-2 Tulaliup, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9a47a31b14&e=850008f825> TNLI Session 1 April 1-2 Tulaliup, WA Info sent to Fellows For WSA Meetings and Events Beyond April, please see WSTA's 2026 Master Calendar CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3df7a69e4b&e=850008f825> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> Federal Government Heads for Partial Shutdown this Weekend Lawmakers worked throughout the week to attempt to find a compromise resolution on six Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 spending bills that have yet to be passed in advance of the Continuing Resolution (CR) expiring at midnight tonight. Senators have reportedly finished negotiating the details of a bipartisan agreement that would enable the chamber to vote on a two-week extension of Homeland Security appropriations, coupled with five full-year spending bills, sometime today. However, the House of Representatives is currently in recess and not scheduled to return to the nation’s capital until Monday, as of now, meaning that we will likely experience a short lapse of appropriations across six spending bills and a partial government shutdown over the weekend. As a reminder, Congress passed the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (Public Law 119-37) back in November, ending the longest federal government shutdown in the nation’s history. That law included three appropriations bills that provided full-year funding through September 30, 2026 for agencies authorized by these spending bills: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies; and Legislative Branch. It also extended government funding through January 30, 2026 for agencies supported by the nine remaining spending bills. The Appropriations Committees made progress advancing spending bills in subsequent weeks. Congress passed and President Donald Trump then signed into law a minibus entitled the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 (P.L. 119-74). Those agencies are also funded through the end of September. The outstanding measures that are set to expire tonight include: Defense; National Security-State; Financial Services-Government; Labor-Health and Human Services (LHHS); Transportation-Housing and Urban Development (THUD); and Homeland Security. The House passed the Defense, LHHS, T-HUD, and Homeland Security bills last week, and adopted a rule to attach that package to the previously passed National Security-State and Financial Services-Government bills, sending a six-bill minibus over to the Senate for consideration. However, the death of Alex Pretti, the second fatal shooting involving Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis last Saturday, complicated its prospects for passage. Senate Democrats demanded the inclusion of oversight and accountability reforms in the Homeland Security spending bill in order to move any larger package. The White House and Senate Republicans agreed to negotiate amendments to the legislation, but both Democrats and Republicans have acknowledged that additional time would be required to reach a final agreement on the Homeland Security measure prior to the deadline later tonight. Therefore, Senate leaders have agreed to substitute the Homeland Security portion of this minibus package with a two-week extension of funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) until February 13, 2026 to allow sufficient time for the negotiations to take place. It is important to note that the other five bills in the package are unchanged under this plan. If the Senate passes this new amended package that substitutes a two-week stopgap instead of a full-year spending bill for Homeland Security tonight ahead of the midnight deadline, the package will need to go back to the House for another vote because of the amendments. The House is in recess and not expected to return until Monday, although that schedule is now in flux. Therefore, we do expect a partial government shutdown to begin tonight at midnight, but Beltway observers anticipate the House will pass this legislation upon their return after the weekend to limits its impacts. President Trump endorsed this agreement on Truth Social shortly after it was announced, signaling that the White House will support this measure, if it passes both chambers. Members of Congress expect that the impacts of a weekend lapse of appropriations for six spending bills would be limited, if bicameral lawmakers ultimately agree to the package proposed in this scenario when they get back to Washington, DC. We will continue to keep you updated as this fluid situation unfolds. Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration * The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) solicited <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=900335aedf&e=850008f825> nominations from local government representatives and other stakeholders to join its Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (MCSAC). The Committee advises the agency on a range of issues related to commercial motor vehicle safety. Nominations will be accepted until February 23, 2026. Congress * Members of the Congressional Western Caucus unanimously elected Utah Congresswoman Celeste Maloy to serve as its new Chair following the recent passing of previous Chair Doug LaMalfa of California. The Caucus furthers policies that support rural areas, including in federal lands, water rights, energy, and agriculture matters. In a statement <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.co m/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=eee779e3d9&e=850008f825> to Politico, Congresswoman Maloy offered that under his leadership she would “make sure that the caucus is focused on the things that matter in rural America.” Permitting Congress * Amid a tenuous period in negotiations on permitting reform legislation, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3 a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ee95fb90c5&e=850008f825> to examine federal environmental review and permitting process. Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse affirmed <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/tra ck/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=bccd68b5f1&e=850008f825> that he and Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Martin Heinrich will continue to pause negotiations on a permitting reform bill until the Trump Administration demonstrates a commitment to “honor its constitutional duty to faithfully execute the law.” He cited a series of efforts by federal agencies over the past year to halt solar and wind development, including a major offshore wind project off the coast of his state of Rhode Island. The Chair urged industry groups testifying at the hearing to engage with the Administration on the matter. * In a new op-ed <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0f759d8d21&e=850008f825> in the Deseret News, Utah Congresswoman Celeste Maloy wrote that a second reconciliation package passed with solely Republican support could serve as a legislative vehicle for permitting reform. Earlier this month, the conservative Republican Study Committee (RSC) released <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7d56930e4f&e=850008f825> a framework for a new reconciliation bill that would include the Full Responsibility and Expedited Enforcement Act (FREE) Act sponsored by the Congresswoman. The legislation would require federal agencies to evaluate the potential adoption of an expedited “permitting by rule” process for certain categories of projects certified by sponsors to meet established safety and environmental criteria. Congresswoman Maloy argued that enactment of the legislation would “deliver the certainty American families and businesses deserve.” <https://maassets.higherlogic.com/image/APTA/Executive_Action_Update_650x200_Final_3009955.png> Impacts of Executive Actions on Public Transportation: Since January 20, President Trump has issued almost 100 Executive Orders, Memoranda, and Proclamations to carry out his Administration’s policy goals and agenda. Many of these directives, together with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) actions, directly impact the public transportation industry. These Executive Orders and other directives pause some transportation funding; terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; impose new tariffs; and establish priorities for DOT competitive grants. APTA’s Executive and Regulatory Actions Tracker <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c68a1f855a&e=850008f825> provides real-time updates and summaries regarding the President’s Executive Orders and other Administration actions that impact the public transportation industry. <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Director of Transit Operations and Public Safety Lane Transit Salary Range: $132,553 to $184,811 Under general direction, individuals assigned to this position are responsible for efficient daily transit operations, including operators, buses and dispatch functions, through the supervision of administrators, field and system supervisors, administrative and clerical assistants, and bus operators. Responsibilities include long-range planning and goal setting within the department, implementation of department strategies, recommending and implementing District policy ad related duties that may be assigned. This position is also responsible for the management of Public Safety., This position also oversees bargaining responsibilities and adherence to the collective bargaining agreement over three bargaining groups. This position serves as the District's Emergency Manager during critical incidents and oversees the implementation of the Districts Continuity of Operations Plan. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8233391a78&e=850008f825> ________________________________ ________________________________ WSTA Jobs Board: WSTA offers a comprehensive clearinghouse for transit jobs across the state. Use our website to see the latest job postings. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e33e7a3cc7&e=850008f825> If you are a transit agency and have an opening - please use the submit button on the website. Attention Transit Vendors Please sign up for the WSTA Vendor Email Distribution List to be the first to know. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=00d5dde508&e=850008f825> *If you are not a vendor please do not sign up <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/1877cd28-850f-4d18-987c-7fcdc524d617.png> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/16fd6fee-3218-4d70-b1fe-2056df0f1434.gif> WSTA pays an annual membership to the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC), which allows our Transit Agency members access to their services. Check out what is new with MRSC. Available for WSTA Transit Members: Ask MRSC - Ask MRSC Archives <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ce4581c6f5&e=850008f825> ________________________________ Ask Transit WSTA's partn <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/d4f5e03c-25b5-4812-8415-e6065dfea42a.png> er, the Washington State Transit Insurance Pool (WSTIP), provides an "Ask Transit" tool, which allows agency employees to ask a question, and staff will work to research that question and respond back. . Click Here to Ask Transit <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=fcf202f3da&e=850008f825> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * Kitsap Transit proposes added service ahead of World Cup <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b4911ea13a&e=850008f825> . Bainbridge Island Review (pdf included) * The Light Rail's Cross Lake Connection Will Be an Aries <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=32ce980e7b&e=850008f825> . The Stranger * Spokane Transit Authority gives update on investigation into crash, including possible navigation software issues <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id= b205df1eb6&e=850008f825> . KREM * Early Look at Federal Way Link Extension Ridership <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2dcff68e67&e=850008f825> . Seattle Transit Blog ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e35e4a767f&e=850008f825> Latest Issue <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=dfd640c81d&e=850008f825> * Metro Magazine News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=bf925e046f&e=850008f825> * National RTAP <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9b6b96c18e&e=850008f825> * Transit Talent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f891e92b6a&e=850008f825> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=fe199196d1&e=850008f825> * T4America <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2f519f115e&e=850008f825> * CTAA News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7f11c12c6d&e=850008f825> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e94b03db8e&e=850008f825> ________________________________ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=fd112dd0b9&e=850008f825> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=eabf3b2b18&e=850008f825> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f27003983e&e=850008f825> Copyright © WSTA, 2016, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2629 12th Court SW Olympia, WA 98502 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/profile?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c7c0e5ee8e&e=850008f825&c=0e1cb75b48> or unsubscribe from this list <https://watransit. us12.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c7c0e5ee8e&t=b&e=850008f825&c=0e1cb75b48> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/open.php?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0e1cb75b48&e=850008f825>