Brunell Talks Tort Reform with Sen. Cantwell - Urge Passage of S. 274! 
AWB President Don Brunell discussed the Class Action Reform Act of 2003 (S. 274) with Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash) last week. With 58 senators committed to vote for S. 274, we need 60 votes to prevent a filibuster. Cantwell told us she has an open mind on the issue. Tell her you support S. 274 at maria@cantwell.senate.gov.  Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash) is opposed to tort reform. Contact her anyway at murray@senate.gov or (202) 224-0238. 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.

 

Employers Win in Court of Appeals - AWB Fights Unfavorable Ruling in Federal Court!
In White v. Salvation Army, Division I of the Washington Court of Appeals held that employers don’t owe compensation for rest and meal periods where no work occurs. In contrast, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Alvarez v. IBP, Inc. held employers liable for 30 minutes meal period pay and 30 minutes penalty pay for employees using even a minute of their meal period to don and doff meat processing safety gear. AWB has submitted a friend-of-the-court brief asking the 9th Circuit to reconsider its ruling or certify the matter to the Washington Supreme Court. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

 

“Bonneville Chinook Count Sets Record” - Headline from Vancouver Columbian
The lead paragraph of Saturday’s Columbian read:  “More chinook salmon were counted in the fish ladders at Bonneville Dam on Thursday than on any day since the structure was built on the Columbia River in 1938. A whopping 45,884 fall chinook were tallied Thursday, easily surpassing the previous single-day mark of 39,378 on Sept. 12, 1987.” President Bush was right when he said that fish and dams can co-exist. Visit www.columbian.com.

 

I-841 Campaign in Full Gear - You Can Help End Ergonomics Rules!
Initiative 841 needs your help! Employers should talk to employees about the need to defeat the ergonomics rules. Explain how the rules affect job growth. Urge them to get involved in the campaign. Contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

 

Attention Employers - Final Work Week/School Week Policy for Minors Issued!
L&I has released its administrative policy governing the hours minors may work during the school year. AWB helped draft the policy. See www.lni.wa.gov/SCS/workstandards/policies/esc41.htm. Contact Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

 

Competitive Contracting is Coming – Your Input is Needed!
Competitive contracting will allow the private sector to compete for services provided by the state. A public workshop will be held Sept. 19 in Olympia. Contact Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

 

Tort Reform Campaign Underway - 2003’s Missed Opportunity will be 2004’s Victory!
Liability Reform Coalition members are working to bring tort reform to Washington in 2004. A fundraising drive is coming soon. Look forward to more updates. Contact Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

 

UI Restructure in the Works – Public Hearings to be Scheduled!
Employment Security has begun to restructure unemployment insurance. AWB will notify members of public hearings once they are scheduled. Contact Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

 

State Pesticide Rules to be Updated – Attend a Hearing!
Washington’s Department of Agriculture is updating its general pesticide rules. Public hearings will be held statewide Sept. 23-29. Contact Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

 

PDC Stakeholder Meeting to Review Exempt Funds Accounts – Public Hearing This Week!
In Olympia, on Sept. 18, the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) will conduct a meeting to address possible rule changes on exempt fund accounts for political committees. Contact Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

 

2003 Policy Summit - Coming Next Week!
Don’t miss AWB’s 2003 Policy Summit (Inn at Semi-ah-moo, Sept. 24-26). Contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org. Register at (800) 770-7992 or www.info-awb.org/mofcart/2003policysummitorder.html.

 

Statewide Small Business Conference in October - Mark This One on Your Calendar!
The 2003 Statewide Small Business Conference (Oct. 3, SeaTac), sponsored by Washington Policy Center and supported by AWB, will focus on issues that affect small business. Register by Sept. 24 at www.smallbusinessconference.com.