Civil Liability Reform on the Way --- How Can You Help?
SB 5728 will implement a broad range of needed liability reforms. The bill passed the Senate. Call your representatives to tell them to support this bill. Contact AWB’s Clif Finch at (360) 943-1600 or ClifF@awb.org.

 

Revenue Forecast Comes Up $200 Million Short --- Drum Beat Starting to Hike Taxes
Last week Washington’s Revenue Forecast Council released its March projections. The forecast for the 2001-03 biennium is up by $36.8 million, while the forecast for the 2003-05 biennium is down by $238.3 million for a net reduction of $201.5 million. The forecast presents legislators with an estimated $2.6 billion revenue shortfall. For more information, go to http://www.researchcouncil.org.

 

Municipal Tax Bill Has Left the House --- Don’t Give Up Yet!
HB 2030 passed out of the House with a vote of 73 yeas and 25 nays. The bill will now go to the Senate Ways and Means Committee. AWB’s Tom Dooley, Governmental Affairs director, is asking members to call their senators urging them to support the bill. Contact Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

 

Gov. Signs Manufacturing Machinery & Equipment Use Tax Exemption --- Say Thanks
Gov. Locke signed EHB 1977 providing a use tax exemption for manufacturing machinery and equipment repair and replacement parts. The bill cleared the Senate without a vote opposing and with 86 supporters in the House. All but Reps. Chase, Cody, Darneille, Dunshee, Hudgins, Kagi, Schaul-Berke, Simpson, Sommers and Veloria voted for the bill. E-mail the Governor and the Legislative supporters a thank you message.

 

Elevators Bill Makes Its Way Up To Commerce and Labor --- Your Support is Needed!
SB 5942 aimed at licensing requirements for elevator mechanics and contractors passed the Senate. The next stop for the bill is the House Commerce and Labor Committee. AWB needs you to call your representative to ask them to support the bill. Contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

 

AWB Asks Congress to Pass Comprehensive Energy Legislation to Help Washington
In letters to Washington’s Congressional Delegation, AWB asked Congress to pass comprehensive energy legislation that provides low cost reliable natural gas and electricity. The letter also asks Congress to open additional oil and gas exploration. For a copy of the letter, contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

Human Resources Bills Being Pushed Hard --- Find Out Which Ones Affect Your Business!
With the nation’s highest unemployment rate in the U.S. and very little rebound from this jobless pit, AWB’s Governmental Affairs Team is pushing human resources issues hard at the Capitol. Which one of these issues affects your business and employees? How can you help save your company from demanding fees and taxes? Check AWB’s human resources overview at http://www.awb.org/policy/spotlights/hrupdate/hrbills0303.html.

 

L&I Dir. to AWB Execs.; --- “Better Communication Between L&I, Business”
Paul Trause, Dept. of Labor and Industries (L&I) director, spoke to AWB’s Executive Committee Mar. 19 and emphasized the need for clearer lines of communication between the two groups. Trause also expressed his feelings on needed reforms to the workers’ compensation system. “The financial challenges we face are obvious. It’s really important that we step back and take a good hard look at the system,” he said.

 

Health Care Forum Coming Up --- RSVP Today!
AWB’s Health Care Forum is scheduled for May 13 at the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle starting at 7 a.m. The keynote speaker will be British Columbia’s Health Services Minister Colin Hansen. For more information or to reserve your space, contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

 

Economic Development Bill Gets AWB Backing --- Find Out More!
HB 1880 received support from AWB’s Executive Committee Mar. 19 after a vote that took place during the group’s quarterly meeting. The bill will establish a local option sales tax to help fund economic development. For more information, contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.