Municipal Tax Fairness Signed Into Law – Thank You, Governor Locke and Legislators!
AWB’s six-year effort on municipal tax fairness has finally paid off! HB 2030 was signed into law by Gov. Locke. Now is the time to say “Thanks” to the Governor and legislators supporting this important bill. Contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org. This is a big win for AWB!

 

House Unveils “JobKiller” Budget –AWB Pushing to Pass Budget Within Existing Revenues
Although Washington has one of the highest jobless rates in the country, the House proposed a budget with pay hikes for public educators. To balance the budget, House members are considering increasing the sales tax. Call your Representatives and tell them to pass a budget which lives within available tax revenues. Contact Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

 

Hutchinson and Chan Keynote Speakers at AWB Spring Meeting in Spokane—Plan to Attend
Former Minnesota Finance Commissioner and developer of the Priorities of Government (P.O.G.) Peter Hutchinson will be the keynote speaker at dinner on May 22 in Spokane. Hutchinson is the guru who helped Gov. Locke develop Washington’s P.O.G. which resulted in a budget that lives within existing state revenues. He will discuss the next steps Washington needs to take. Dr. Yvonne Chan, founder of LA’s Vaughn School, will be the breakfast speaker on May 23. She will address empowering students, parents and educators in schools. Both are excellent so mark the evening of May 22 and the morning of May 23 on your calendars. Plan to attend. Contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

 

House Approves Shoreline Management Reform – Washington’s Economy Wins!
Supported by business and environmentalists, SB 6012 passed by the House last week. SB 6012 sets up a more reasonable time frame for local governments to adopt new shoreline master plans. The Senate now must concur with the House version. Contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

 

Transportation Plan Rolls Out of Senate – Tell Your Representative to Support the Senate Package
Last week the Senate approved a $4.1 billion package of highway improvements and other transportation projects. This badly needed legislation will be funded by a gas tax increase of 5 cents per gallon. Now the Senate’s package needs to be reconciled with a smaller transportation plan of the House. Call your legislators to tell them to support the Senate version. Contact Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

 

Workers’ Comp and Unemployment Efforts Continue—Tell Your Lawmakers to Follow AWB
As the legislative session winds down, AWB continues to push for major reforms to our state’s unemployment insurance and workers’ comp systems. Unless legislation passes this year, Washington employers are certain to see another round of rate increases next year. Go to www.awb.org for details.

 

Washington’s Legal System – Rankings Go Down, Liability Costs Go Up!
Washington’s legal system has problems, according to a recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce nationwide survey of attorneys. Since last year, Washington’s tort liability system has fallen from "Best" to "Fair" in its overall rating. Go to AWB’s Online Exclusive, “Washington’s Courts – Going Downhill?” at www.awb.org.

 

Rep. Nethercutt and Sen. Murray to Speak at AWB’s Health Care Forum – Don’t Miss This Event!
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash) and U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt (R-Wash, 5th) will join a great array of guests at AWB’s Health Care Forum. Don't miss this important event scheduled for 8 a.m. - Noon at Seattle’s Four Seasons Hotel on May 13. To register, visit www.awb.org or contact Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

 

Enjoying the Tulips and Daffodils? Learn What Threatens This Important Industry
Could more and more of your bulbs come from Michigan and overseas? Watch for the new issue of Washington Business Magazine later this month. While many tourists are currently enjoying the colorful tulip and daffodil fields in the Skagit Valley, near Mossyrock and on other western Washington farms, bulb growers are seeing their competitive advantages wiped out by our state’s automatic increases in the minimum wage. To learn how the minimum wage is impacting Washington farmers, visit www.awb.org or contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

 

Former Gov. Booth Gardner to Address Executive Committee on Higher Education
Former Gov. Booth Gardner, who co-chairs a higher education funding effort with former Gov. Dan Evans, will address AWB’s Executive Committee on Thursday in Vancouver. Gardner, who also co-chairs Washington’s effort to reform the way class action lawsuits are addressed, will speak Thursday, April 24, at 3 p.m. The Clark County High Tech Council will present the semiconductor industry initiative. Contact Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

 

Washington Business Week – Register Now!
Co-sponsored by AWB, Washington Business Week is gearing up for a busy summer. Washington Business Week will be held at Gonzaga University, June 22-28; Central Washington University, July 20-26; and Western Washington University, Aug. 3-9 and Aug. 11-16. For applications and information, visit www.wbw.org or call (800) 686-6442.