Tax Cut Was Good News, But Now Comes Other Part

Mon., March 13, 1995

Compiled By Business Staff

Last week’s cheers over a five-year, $189 billion tax cut could turn into this week’s jeers as Congress unveils which programs must be axed to pay for the plan.

The Republican-controlled House Budget Committee on Wednesday is expected to approve a package of spending reductions on defense, foreign affairs and domestic programs.

Proposed tax cuts include more deductions for small businesses and a lower capital gains tax rate.

In other events this week:

Today

Orange County supervisors begin public hearings on proposed cuts in county services to compensate for bond losses.

Tuesday

Momentum ‘95 monthly board of directors meeting begins at 7 a.m. at the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce. Call 624-8115.

The Spokane Restaurant and Hospitality Association’s monthly board meeting begins at 2:15 p.m. at Dewey’s East, 12909 E. Sprague. Call 467-7744.

The Training and Education Coordinating Center begins a three-day seminar on documentation for ISO 9000 certification. Session begins at 8 a.m. at 3939 N. Freya. Cost: $500. Call 533-4705.

Wednesday

The Washington Department of Revenue holds a free workshop to explain tax-reporting requirements for small businesses. The three-hour workshop starts at 1:30 p.m. on the eighth floor training room at 4407 N. Division.

Federal Reserve reports on regional economic conditions and industrial production for February.

Thursday

The semi-annual convention of the American Dry Pea and Lentil Association opens at the Red Lion Motor Inn in the Valley, running through Saturday. Call 208-882-3023.

Betsy Sanders, former vice president of Nordstrom, speaks on how to provide exemplary service at 1:30 p.m. at the Red Lion Motor Inn in the Valley. Cost: $45. Call Harvey A. Meier Co., 458-3210.

The Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association opens its annual convention Thursday at Cavanaugh’s Inn at the Park, running through Saturday. For more information, call the Spokane Convention & Visitors Bureau at 624-1341.

Barbara Amen, director of Ballantrae International, speaks on export marketing to the Inland Northwest World Trade Council’s monthly luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the WestCoast Ridpath Hotel. Cost: $10 for members, $12 for non-members. Call 625-6190.

Labor Department reports on consumer prices for February.

Commerce Department reports on housing starts for February.

Friday

Dr. George Schneider Jr., a member of the Washington Health Services Commission, speaks at 7 a.m. to the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $10. Call 924-4994.

The Pacific Northwest annual meeting of Circle K International opens at the WestCoast Ridpath Hotel, running through Sunday.

Spokane County commissioner Phil Harris speaks at noon to the Spokane Ag Bureau at the Stockyards Inn.

MEMO: This is a sidebar that appeared with the story: On the shelf Inc. magazine: The average increase in health care costs among small and midsize companies fell from 22% in 1993 to 14% in 1994. Here’s how companies achieved savings: Changing insurance companies - This was the most popular strategy and was used by 40 percent of those participating in the survey. Higher deductibles - More than a third - 36 percent - changed to policies with higher deductibles. Switch to HMO or PPO This approach was taken by 26 percent of respondents. Increase employee’s contribution - One-quarter of those participating in the survey hiked the amount that workers contribute to their plan. Institute managed care - This was the least popular option, used by only 2 percent of companies.

This is a sidebar that appeared with the story: On the shelf Inc. magazine: The average increase in health care costs among small and midsize companies fell from 22% in 1993 to 14% in 1994. Here’s how companies achieved savings: Changing insurance companies - This was the most popular strategy and was used by 40 percent of those participating in the survey. Higher deductibles - More than a third - 36 percent - changed to policies with higher deductibles. Switch to HMO or PPO This approach was taken by 26 percent of respondents. Increase employee’s contribution - One-quarter of those participating in the survey hiked the amount that workers contribute to their plan. Institute managed care - This was the least popular option, used by only 2 percent of companies.