Campaign to Bring 7E7 to Washington Unveiled – Push for Boeing Jobs Gathers Force!
Gov. Locke unveiled an advisory group to develop strategies for Washington to help bring Boeing's 7E7 production to Washington. AWB President Don Brunell is in the group, including representatives from the Legislature, local government, business and labor, who will make recommendations to the Governor. The assembly of the 7E7 could add $1.5 billion to the Puget Sound economy. Contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

Manufacturing Renewal Campaign -- AWB Plays Lead Role
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is rolling out a manufacturing renewal campaign in which AWB will play a lead role. Since July 2000, Washington has lost one of six manufacturing jobs. Nationally, NAM reports manufacturing job loss at more than 2 million over the last 33 months. In Washington, manufacturing employment fell by 55,700 between July 2000 and December 2002. “Washington leads the nation in this category,” AWB President Don Brunell said. “That is why we’re not only working to save Boeing jobs but those of other employers. The same costs of doing business imposed by state and local government impact other employers too.” Watch for details coming soon.

 

Tell Your Legislators to Reform Workers’ Comp and Unemployment Insurance This Year!
Along with Boeing, AWB identified unemployment insurance and workers’ comp reform as essential issues which must be resolved in the ongoing special legislative session. Contact your legislators to tell them to reform workers’ comp and unemployment insurance this year. “We cannot afford double digit rate increases in 2004,” AWB Vice President Gary Chandler said. “Now is the time for action!” Contact Gary Chandler at (360) 943-1600 or GaryC@awb.org.

 

Peter Hutchinson & Yvonne Chan – Two Great Presentations Now at  www.awb.org!
AWB’s Spring Board Meeting, in Spokane, featured Priorities of Government (POG) developer Peter Hutchinson and charter school advocate Yvonne Chan. Both speakers were fantastic! Now you can view their presentations at http://www.awb.org/presentations/PeterHutchinson_files/frame.htm and http://www.awb.org/presentations/YvonneChan_files/frame.htm.

 

Follow Chan’s Advice: Urge YOUR Legislators to Pass the Charter Schools Bill -- No Excuses!
If you want schools like the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center in Los Angeles, created by Dr. Yvonne Chan, contact your legislators today to tell them to pass SB 5012 -- the Charter Schools Bill. It is time. No more excuses. Contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

Permit Review Process Gets Streamlined – Thank You, Gov. Locke!
ESSB 5776, which will streamline the review of permit decisions by state agencies and local governments for economic development projects, has been signed into law by the Governor. With less bureaucracy, important construction projects will be sped up so they can bring much-needed economic development. Contact Gary Chandler at (360) 943-1600 or GaryC@awb.org.

 

Governor Signs ESHB 2088 - Stormwater Impact Fees Reduced!
Gov. Locke has signed ESHB 2088, which exempts forest and timber lands from stormwater impact fees. In addition, the bill requires local governments to reduce stormwater impact fees by a minimum of 10 percent for new or remodeled buildings that install permissive rainwater harvesting systems. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

 

Congress Working on Tort Reform - Class Action Bill Clears First Hurdle
While in the nation’s capitol last week, AWB President Don Brunell was a part of a national strategy group working to pass tort reforms. The Class Action Lawsuit Reform bill cleared its first hurdle last week passing the House Judiciary Committee. Meanwhile, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, unveiled the long awaited Asbestos Reform Bill. Contact Senators Murray and Cantwell and your House members. Urge them to pass comprehensive tort reform this year. Contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

Ballot Issues Advisory Committee - Coming to AWB!
AWB’s Board voted to move the Ballot Issues Advisory Committee (BIAC) to AWB. BIAC provides early support or opposition to ballot measures. Contact Gary Chandler at (360) 943-1600 or GaryC@awb.org.

 

Board Establishes Legal Research Fund and Endorsement Process for Supreme Court Races
AWB’s Board voted to establish a legal research fund for potential litigation or friend of the court briefs. In partnership with the Liability Reform Coalition, AWB will endorse Washington Supreme Court candidates beginning in 2004. Contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

Electing a Business-Friendly Legislature - AWB’s Expands Candidate Recruitment!
With the 2004 elections just around the corner, AWB’s Board voted to expand efforts to recruit candidates for targeted legislative races. This new initiative is the result of a resolution passed at the Spring Board Meeting in Spokane. Contact Gary Chandler at (360) 943-1600 or GaryC@awb.org.

 

AWB Supports Vancouver BC Winter Olympics Bid - Washington’s Economy Stands to Gain!
AWB sent a letter to the International Olympic Committee supporting Vancouver, BC’s bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympics. If Vancouver is chosen, economic benefits will spread to Washington. For more information, visit http://www.mcaws.gov.bc.ca/2010Secretariat/news_links.htm.

 

ERGO Initiative Goes to GAC for Action - Board Poised to Make Quick Turnaround
Backers of Initiative 841 to repeal the state’s ergonomics regulations will be considered by AWB’s Governmental Affairs Council (GAC) in mid-June. If the GAC endorses I-841, AWB will immediately poll the Board for its recommendation. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or amberc@awb.org.

 

AWB Education Task Force Meets on Friday - You Are Welcome
The second meeting of AWB’s Education Task Force will be Friday, May 30, from 10:00 to Noon in Bellevue. Contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org for details.