AWB Votes to Back Ergonomics Repeal Initiative—Support I-841!
By a 75-3 margin, AWB’s Board voted to support Initiative 841—the repeal of the state’s ergonomics rules. It is currently gathering signatures for the November ballot. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360)-943-1600 or amberc@awb.org.

 

Gov. Locke Signs General Fund and Construction Budgets – Thousands of Jobs Created!
The construction budget, based on the Governor’s innovative “Priorities of Government” (P.O.G.) approach, is now in effect. The budget will create thousands of private-sector jobs in construction and renovation of the state's facilities. Contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

 

Because of P.O.G., Washington is in Better Shape Than Rest of Country—Thank Governor and Your Legislators!
According to the National Governors Association and the National Association of State Budget Officers, 46 other states have budget deadlines they won’t meet on July 1. The worsening fiscal crisis, depletion of rainy day funds, spiraling health care costs and disputes over spending cuts have other states in gridlock. Thirty-seven states chopped a total of $14.5 billion off current year budgets while governors in 29 states proposed $17.5 billion in new taxes and fees. Largely through the process Gov. Locke started last year, our Legislature adjourned without raising taxes, prioritized spending and balanced the budget. We need to thank them again because we are ahead of the rest of the country. Contact AWB’s Gary Chandler at (360) 943-1600 or GaryC@awb.org.

 

P.O.G. Inventor Addresses AWB - Says Keep P.O.G. Going - Tough Choices Ahead
Priorities of Government guru Peter Hutchinson returned to Spokane to address AWB’s Governmental Affairs Council Retreat. Hutchinson said the tough job lies ahead. “You need to keep the Priorities of Government going for the supplemental budget discussion in 2004 and set the stage for a very difficult budget year in 2005,” Hutchinson said. “You’ve only just begun!” Tell Gov. Locke and your legislators to make the P.O.G. a permanent part of the way the state does business.

 

UI & Workers’ Comp Rates to Rise – Urge Legislators to Freeze Cost-of-Living Increases!
Workers’ comp and unemployment insurance rates will rise tomorrow due to cost-of-living increases. Workers’ comp time-loss benefits or pensions will receive a 1.9% cost of living increase. In addition, the maximum monthly benefit will increase by the same percentage to $3,794. Meanwhile, the same “cost-of-living” formula will increase maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefits to $510 until January 2004 when it will be frozen at $496. Tell your legislators that cost-of-living adjustments need to be frozen. Contact AWB’s Clif Finch at (360) 943-1600 or ClifF@awb.org.

 

AWB Settles Issues in Stormwater Appeal Case – Final Order Pending!
AWB, Boeing and Snohomish County signed a settlement with the Department of Ecology on three main issues in the appeal of the Industrial Stormwater General Permit, including the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington, later-enacted TMDLs and allowable non-stormwater discharges. A final order will be issued on the legality of monitoring requirements in the permit. Contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.
Time to Kill the Death Tax – Urge Senators Murray and Cantwell to Support S.13!
Now that the U.S. House of Representatives voted to permanently end the death tax, the U.S. Senate must follow suit. Tell Senators Murray and Cantwell to vote for S.13, which will finally abolish the federal estate tax once and for all. Be sure to go to www.awb.org and answer this week’s poll: Should the federal estate tax be abolished? Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

Remember: AWB Office to be Closed July 3 and 4 – Happy Independence Day!
Washington Business Magazine Wins Chamber of Commerce Award – Next Issue Out Soon!
American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) has recognized Washington Business Magazine with a Merit Award. See for yourself why Washington Business Magazine is winning awards. In July you will receive Washington Business’s latest issue, featuring everything you want to know about energy and other timely topics. Contact AWB’s Alexis Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@awb.org.

 

Policy Summit - Look for Early Bird Registration Materials and Sponsorship Forms
Check your e-mail and post office box! The Policy Summit Early Bird Registration materials are coming soon. Also, if you would like to sponsor this year’s Summit (Sept 24-26) at the Inn at Semi-ah-moo, contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org. Get your room reservations today by calling (360) 224-5100 or (800) 770-7992.