HOUSE BILL REPORT

HJM 4014

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation: 2/24/09 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Requests that the United States House of Representatives Resolution 6922 or substantially similar legislation be enacted to provide loans to the trucking industry to assist with the costs of fuel.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 27 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Rodne, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Campbell, Cox, Driscoll, Eddy, Finn, Flannigan, Herrera, Johnson, Klippert, Kristiansen, Moeller, Morris, Rolfes, Sells, Shea, Simpson, Springer, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace, Williams and Wood.

Background:

House Resolution 6922 has been introduced by the United States House of Representatives. House Resolution 6922 would amend the Small Business Act to authorize disaster loans for eligible small businesses that have suffered or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury due to increases in the price of gasoline or diesel fuel. Small businesses eligible for the loans are those engaged in the transportation of persons or property for hire.

The loans are limited to $250,000. The Small Business Administration (SBA) may waive the $250,000 limit if the applicant is a major source of employment in the surrounding area as determined by the SBA.

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Summary of Bill:

The Washington State Senate and House of Representatives request that the President of the United States and the United States Senate and House of Representatives enact House Resolution 6922 or substantially-similar legislation. The purpose of the Resolution or similar legislation is to amend the Small Business Act to provide low-interest loans to small businesses providing transportation services in order to assist these businesses in dealing with high motor fuel prices.

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Appropriation: None.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Truck haulers have been in economic crisis for years, and one of the major reasons is high fuel costs. This bill will help provide small trucking business some relief through low interests loans, so that they can maintain their fleet and keep people employed. Truckers are long-term employers and help get goods to market.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Kessler, prime sponsor; Representative DeBolt; Sherrie Bond and Violet Iund, Northwest Log Truckers Cooperative; Bob Bond, Bond Trucking; Kenneth Shipp, Shipp Construction; and John Straka, Straka Trucking, Incorporated.