AWB to Union Bosses - Correct Misleading Voter Pamphlet Statement on Ergonomics!
AWB President Don Brunell has requested that the Washington State Labor Council withdraw its misleading rebuttal statement on ergo Initiative 841. “The unions took a partial quote from one of my columns and made it look like we are opposed to the repealing the ergonomics rules, which is totally false,” Brunell said. AWB also asked Sec. of State Sam Reed to withhold printing of the voters’ pamphlet until the misleading quotes are corrected. Stay tuned!
Senate Vote on Class Action Reform May Come This Week - Contact Sen. Cantwell Today!
A vote on Class Action Reform Act of 2003 (S. 274) legislation may come this week. Please e-mail Sen. Maria Cantwell at
maria@cantwell.senate.gov. Urge her to support S. 274. Currently, 58 senators will vote for S. 274. We need two more votes to prevent a filibuster. Cantwell has an open mind on the issue. See
www.awb.org/cgi-bin/absolutenm/anmviewer.asp?a=385&z=15. Contact AWB's Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or
DonB@awb.org.
Senate May Consider Asbestos Lawsuit Reform As Well - Contact Murray and Cantwell!
Asbestos Litigation Reform (S. 1125) is rising quickly to the top of the agenda. Contact Senator Cantwell at
maria@cantwell.senate.gov and Murray at
murray@senate.gov. Tell Senators Murray and Cantwell that we need asbestos lawsuit reform legislation this year. Contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or
DonB@awb.org.
House GOP Chooses New Leadership - It’s DeBoldt and Chandler!
Olympia’s House Republicans have chosen Richard DeBoldt (R-Chehalis) to succeed Cathy McMorris (R-Colville) as House Minority Leader. McMorris is now running for the U.S. Congress. Bruce Chandler (R-Granger) will serve as assistant minority leader.
Municipal Tax Fairness Follow Up - Please Attend!
Following AWB’s victory in bringing municipal tax fairness to Washington, the Dept. of Revenue is now studying how new tax laws should be implemented. Stakeholder meetings will be held, starting Sept. 30, including city officials in addition to AWB and other business groups. Contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or
TomD@awb.org.
Department of Agriculture to Update Pesticide Rules - Statewide Hearings This Week!
The state Department of Agriculture will update its general pesticide rules, including changes that may affect how pesticides are applied and how the industry conducts business. Public hearings will be held Sept. 23, 24 & 29. Contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or
CodyB@awb.org.
Initiative 841 Campaign Needs Your Help - Get Involved!
Burdensome ergonomics rules will cost your company money and jobs. The Initiative 841 campaign is in full swing and needs your help. Learn more at
www.yes841.com. Contact Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or
CodyB@awb.org.
New Rules on Competitive Contracting – Send AWB Your Feedback!
New rules will allow private contractors to compete for services currently done by state employees. We need your input! Contact Cody Benson at (360)943-1600 or
CodyB@awb.org.
Unemployment Insurance System to be Reformed - Send Comments and Questions to CodyB@awb.org!
Workers’ Comp Rates to Rise - Let L&I Know What Increases Will Mean for Your Business!
L&I has proposed a 19.4 percent workers’ comp rate increase in 2004. Public hearings are scheduled statewide. The business community will hold issue briefings prior to each meeting and will provide proper tools to anyone interested in testifying. Contact Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or
CodyB@awb.org.
PDC Proposes Rule Changes on Exempt Fund Accounts for Political Committees - Contact CodyB@awb.org!
Statewide Small Business Conference in October - Mark This One on Your Calendar!
Issues that affect small business will be discussed at the 2003 Statewide Small Business Conference (October 3, SeaTac). Don’t miss this great Washington Policy Center event. Register now at
www.smallbusinessconference.com.
Record Salmon Runs Raise New Questions About the Endangered Species Act - See this week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.
