Minimum Wage Makes Headway Through Commerce & Trade – Call Your Legislator Today!
Two key bills have made their way out of the Commerce and Trade Committee getting the votes needed to move on. SB 5681 will focus on modifying minimum wage provisions, while SB 5697 will modify the inflationary adjustment to the minimum wage. AWB is asking Association members to call their respective senators and urge them to support these bills. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org. 

 

Workers’ Comp Bill Needs Your Support – Answer the Call to Action!
SB 5378 is now pending before the Senate. The measure, if passed, will simplify and add certainty to the calculation of workers' compensation benefits. The new director of L&I, Paul Trause, announced this week that if current assumptions don’t change, employers can expect to see a 21 percent increase next year in its workers’ compensation taxes. Changes to the system must be made to control costs and simplify the administration of claims. AWB is encouraging its members to call their Senators and express their support for the bill. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or amberc@awb.org. 

 

Elevator Fix On the Way Up – Stay Tuned for More!
The House and Senate introduced SB 5942 regarding elevator rules during a hearing held Feb. 26. The measure is aimed at fixing legislation passed in the 2002 Legislative Session. For more information, contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org. 

 

AWB Stands Up to HB 2016 & HB 1944– Find Out Why!
AWB’s Governmental Affairs Director Amber Carter testified against HB 2016 and HB 1944 amidst a crowded hearing room of union lobbyists and their members. HB 2016 restricts employers who receive public funds from encouraging or discouraging unionization. The bill ignores the National Labor Relations Act (NLRB) protection for employers allowing them to express their views so long as it is not discriminatory or retaliatory. HB 1944 would make Washington employers with fifty or more employees provide sixty days notice before mass layoffs. As drafted, the bill is unworkable as it includes temporary positions, seasonal jobs, and disregards other events such as bankruptcies and a faltering economy. HB 1944 puts Washington one more step out of line with the rest of the nation that abides by the federal WARN Act which applies notice of layoff requirements to employers with 500 or more employees. To get the inside scoop, call Amber at (360) 943-1600 or amberc@awb.org. 

 

Members Helping Members – Finance Committee Hears Testimony on Municipal Tax Fairness!
Former Seattle Mayor Wes Uhlman and AWB Board Member Paul Shinoda testified Feb. 28 in front of the House Finance Committee on municipal tax fairness reform and HB 2030. “We hope it’ll pass,” said Shinoda. “We’re just asking that taxes be fair on a municipal level.” For more information, contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.
 

JobMakers.com Up and Running – Get Informed Today!
The Association of Washington Business and the Washington Roundtable have partnered to launch a new Web site – www.JobMakers.com. The new site offers citizens across Washington state a one-stop, online resource for information on bills, initiatives and referenda currently under consideration. The site focuses specifically on measures that have the potential to create or kill jobs in Washington state and tracks how elected officials act on each measure. For more information, contact AWB’s Lex Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@awb.org. 
 

Showcase Your Company – Become an ECW Sponsor Today!
Get your company the recognition it deserves by becoming a sponsor of the 2003 Environmental Conference of Washington June 11-12 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle. Go to www.ecwashington.org or call AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.