Brunell Among CEOs Meeting With Sen. Cantwell - Tort Reform Will be Discussed!
AWB President Don Brunell and a small group of employers will meet with Sen. Cantwell in Washington, DC. Our message is simple: “End class action lawsuit abuse, give S. 274 a chance.” Cantwell was a member of the Washington’s House of Representatives in 1986 when tort reform passed. The arguments that carried the day then apply today.
Coffee Revolt in Seattle - No to Latte Tax!
Boston had its “Tea Party” and Seattle had its “Coffee Rebellion” over the weekend. Small business owners and latte drinkers dumped burlap bags overboard into Green Lake protesting Seattle’s proposed 10 cent latte tax. AWB opposes that tax as well. It constitutes double taxation because right now you pay sales tax on your espresso drinks. A mocha and oat fruit scone in the morning cost $5.37 of which 42 cents is sales tax.
Workers’ Comp Update - L&I Proposes an Average 19.4 Percent Rate Increase for 2004!
L&I has proposed increasing workers' compensation premiums by an average of 19.4 percent in 2004. Hearings are scheduled statewide Oct. 27-Nov. 7. The new rates will take effect January 1. For more information, visit
www.lni.wa.gov/news/2003/pr030903a.htm. Contact AWB’s Amber Balch at (360) 943-1600 or
AmberB@awb.org.
Brunell, Chandler and Balch to Meet with L&I Director - Workers’ Comp Rates on Agenda!
As a follow-up to L&I’s proposed 19.4 percent workers’ comp rate increase, AWB President Don Brunell, Vice President Gary Chandler and Human Resources Director Amber Balch are scheduled to meet with L&I Director Paul Trause. We want legislation that will lower workers comp costs and end abuses. Legislation to fix the Avundes and Cockle decision is sitting in the Legislature. It needs to pass. Otherwise, workers’ comp costs will continue to increase. Send Don Brunell (
DonB@awb.org) your comments to pass on to L&I.
Kris Tefft Joins AWB’s Governmental Affairs Staff - He Will be Director of Legal Affairs!
AWB welcomes Kris Tefft, our new Director for Legal Affairs. Formerly the legal counsel for the Building Industry Association of Washington, Kris will be working with the Legal Affairs and Employment Law Committees as well as heading up AWB’s liability reform efforts.
AWB Makes First Ever Legislative Candidate Endorsement - Support Kayser in 19th District!
AWB’s Executive Committee has voted to endorse challenger Mike Kayser (R-Castle Rock) for the House seat currently held by appointee Rep. Brian Blake (D-Aberdeen) in the 19th Legislative District. Kayser is committed to job creation and economic health for the state. In the Senate race, the Executive Committee voted to endorse neither candidate. The incumbent, Sen. Mark Doumit (D-Cathlamet), and challenger Patricia “Pat” Hamilton (R-Lebam), are both well qualified. The Executive Committee believes business can work with either candidate in advancing a positive agenda. Contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at
KristenS@awb.org.
2003 Legislative Voting Record - Look for it in Upcoming Washington Business Magazine!
Washington Business Magazine’s Sept./Oct. issue features AWB's annual Voting Record. See how your legislators voted on important issues affecting job providers! Contact AWB’s Lex Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or
AlexisN@awb.org. For advertising information, contact Deborah Haydon at (360) 297-4228 or
DebAQP@awb.net.
Statewide Small Business Conference - Don’t Miss It!
Issues that affect small business will be discussed at the 2003 Statewide Small Business Conference (Oct. 3, SeaTac). Don’t miss this great event sponsored by Washington Policy Center and supported by AWB. Register now at
www.smallbusinessconference.com.
Keep the WASL in Perspective - See this week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.
