AWB Pushing Liability Insurance Reform in Olympia and in the “Other Washington”
AWB is part of state and national coalitions lobbying for “tort reforms” designed to make liability insurance more accessible and affordable. In Olympia, AWB is part of the Liability Reform Coalition (LRC) pushing a comprehensive “tort reform” package. The package includes changes to laws covering contractor and medical malpractice insurance, reference checks and caps on non-economic damages or so-called “pain and suffering.” Nationally, AWB is leading the state’s coalitions to lower employers’ exposure to class action law suits, to allow people from asbestos related illness to receive compensation and to reform medical malpractice laws. Contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at 360-943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

 

Legislative Reception Almost Here – Become a Sponsor Today!
The annual AWB Legislative Reception is scheduled for Feb. 12 at the WestCoast Hotel in Olympia. Gov. Gary Locke will be the luncheon keynote speaker. For more information on becoming a sponsor or to register, contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

 

AWB Needs Member Input on YOUR Liability Insurance Rate Increases—Contact Us Today!
To help us make the case to Congress and state legislators on the need for liability insurance, we need your help. Go to AWB’s website www.awb.org and click on to your legislator’s e-mail and send them an e-mail. Tell them to support comprehensive “tort reform” legislation offered by AWB and the LRC. Then briefly tell them how much your liability insurance rates have increased over the last year. While you are at it, send a copy of that e-mail to Don Brunell at DonB@awb.org.

 

AWB Meets with New L&I Director Paul Trause—Share Our Concerns About Rate Hike
AWB President Don Brunell and Vice President Gary Chandler met with new Dept. of Labor and Industries (L&I) director Paul Trause and expressed our concerns over ergonomics, workers comp and WISHA. Trause is currently deputy director at Dept. of Employment Security and succeeds Gary Moore, who will become the chief negotiator for the state as it implements the new collective bargaining agreement. Trause starts at L&I on Jan. 22. If you have suggestions for the new director, please e-mail them to DonB@awb.org.

 

Watch Out for Those New Elevator Rules---Contact Cody Benson for details
Last year, the legislature passed a bill which may prevent you from doing normal maintenance on an elevator at your facilities. It may be costly. AWB’s new regulatory affairs coordinator Cody Benson is coordinating AWB’s input with the Dept. of Labor and Industries (L&I). Contact her at CodyB@awb.org.

 

Public Ergonomics Hearing Set – Plan to Attend!
The Senate Commerce and Trade Committee will hold a public hearing on legislation repealing ergonomics rules January 23, 8:00 a.m. in Hearing Room 4 of the J.A. Cherberg Building. This legislation would repeal the ergonomics rule that is costing our employers, on average, $725 million each year with no proven safety benefits as a result. This is a top priority for AWB. To ensure success, we must have a well rounded panel for public testimony. We need real job providers to tell legislators how burdensome rules in a deteriorating economy are affecting their business and their employees. If you are available to attend the hearing and provide public testimony, please contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

Be Part of Environmental Action - Save the Date!
Plan to attend the 2003 Environmental Conference of Washington June 11-12 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle. AWB, the NW Environmental Business Council, and Preston Gates & Ellis LLP will host the conference. Go to www.ecwashington.org or call AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.

 

AWB Launches it’s Outreach Program at Gig Harbor Chamber---We’ll Come to Your City Too!
AWB President Don Brunell launched the Association’s legislative session Outreach program last Thursday with a presentation to the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce. AWB Board member Don Dennis, CenturyTel, arranged for the presentation. If your chamber wants a legislative overview, please contact Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org. Shannon is our Outreach coordinator.

 

Reg. Reform Hearings Set – Let Your Business’ Voice Be Heard!
Public senate hearings on several regulatory reform issues are scheduled for Jan. 21 and 22. AWB encourages its members to come and talk about the regulatory overload that is stifling our state. To find out when and where the hearings will take place, go to www.awb.org.  For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or amberc@awb.org.

 

DOE Initiates Plan to Save Salmon - Money Available for Water Rights!
The Dept. of Ecology (DOE) has put into effect the Washington Water Acquisition Program recently. The program is a voluntary initiative aimed at increasing water levels in 16 salmon-critical basins that experience low flow volumes year-after-year. According to a message from Joe Stohr and Hedia Adelsman from the DOE says the program “is a strategic and consistent approach which will ensure a greater likelihood that water acquisitions funded by public monies have the highest potential for long-term success.” For more information, go to http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/instream-flows/wacq.html, or contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.