Carl Gipson, who directs the center for small business at the Washington Policy Council, says that entrepreneurs of the state found reasons for hope--and vexation--in this year's legislative session. He writes in Puget Sound Business Journal.

On the plus side are things that didn't happen: "a tax based on the size of your car engine, unemployment insurance benefits for those in the midst of labor disputes, unionization of foster parents, the banishment of plastic bags from grocery stores, and an incredibly vague workplace-bullying bill."

But there's a downside to this good news: the good news is more about how things didn't get any worse.

Earlier this year, the council came up with 24 ways to improve the state's business climate .