BREAKING NEWS-----Gov. Locke Will Not Seek Re-Election - 2004 Gubernatorial Race Wide Open!
Today, Gov. Locke announced that he will not seek a third term as governor. He cited a desire to devote more time to his family as his reason for bowing out of the 2004 race. Locke’s decision leaves next year’s gubernatorial contest wide open – no Republican has announced his or her candidacy as yet. Former State Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge is the only Democrat to have formally announced so far. Nevertheless, shortly after Locke’s announcement, Attorney General Christine Gregoire indicated she will announce her candidacy next week. Gov. Locke will be recognized for his Priorities of Government (POG) approach to budgeting, his commitment to bringing Boeing’s 7E7 to Washington and his support of a no-new-tax budget. These initiatives were great contributions to our state. “We hope the next governor will continue the Competitiveness Council and the POG. Gov. Locke deserves high marks for his leadership on both those projects,” AWB President Don Brunell said. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

DOR Misleads Public - AWB May Initiate Court Challenge!
Last fall, AWB successfully challenged three Department of Revenue (DOR) regulations on the basis that they did not have the force of law, and DOR was misleading the public into believing the rules did have the force of law. While the case is on appeal, DOR is continuing this deceptive practice. Currently, DOR is denying taxpayers claimed exclusions under a narrow reading of their Rule 111 rather than potentially granting exclusions under a statutory analysis. Therefore, AWB is considering bringing a new action challenging the validity of Rule 111. Contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

 

AWB’s Tax Agenda for 2004 Legislature Under Development - Recommendations Coming Soon!
AWB’s Tax Appeal Reforms Sub-Group will be meeting with CPA’s, the Tax Executives Institute and the Washington Bar Association to develop tax policy recommendations. The sub-group is focusing on making the tax appeals system more even-handed toward appellants. Once the recommendations are approved, the AWB Tax Council will decide if they should become legislative objectives for 2004. Contact Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.
 

AWB.Net Web Services - Online, On Track and Ready to Serve Your Internet Needs!
AWB members now have a great new alternative for their Internet needs. If you’re interested in new Internet applications, building new websites or upgrading existing websites, check out AWB.Net Web Services. Currently, AWB.Net is putting its expertise in Web technologies to work for the Institute for Workforce Development and Economic Sustainability. To find out more, visit www.awb.net. Contact AWB’s Lex Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@awb.org.

 

The Story Behind Our High Energy Costs - In Washington Business Magazine’s July Issue
This month you will receive the latest issue of Washington Business Magazine. Find out the real story on why the Northwest’s energy costs went from among the lowest in the U.S. to among the highest. Get a glimpse of our region’s energy future. Read all about these topics and much more in July’s Washington Business Magazine. Contact Lex Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@awb.org.

 

2003 Policy Summit - Mariners Fans Won’t Want to Miss This One!
Mark your calendars now for the 2003 Policy Summit (Sept 24-26) at the Inn at Semi-ah-moo. This year’s summit promises to be better than ever, even featuring KIRO-AM 710’s New York Vinnie in a “Take Me Out to the Ball Game With the Mariners” dinner. Don’t miss out on this for anything! Contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org. Get your room reservations today by calling (800) 770-7992. Go to www.info-awb.org/mofcart/2003policysummitorder.html for online registration.