SB 5254 Passes --- Speak Up and Be Heard!
Challenging government rules and regulations just got easier. Senate Bill 5254 will now go to the House for consideration. The measure opens up Washington’s superior courts in all 39 counties to citizens and businesses wishing to speak up against government actions. Sen. Pam Roach (R-31) was the bill’s prime sponsor. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or amberc@awb.org.

 

Shorelines Bill Gains Momentum --- Help Keep it Up! Contact YOUR House Members
SHB 1769 moved out of the Appropriations Committee. This legislation, which provides a reasonable implementation schedule for Shorelines Master Program updates, is necessary to keep the settlement agreement moving forward. The bill next goes to the House floor for action. Contact your legislators and ask them to support SHB 1769. Contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

 

AWB Joins Everett Shorelines Appeal --- Find Out Why!
A coalition of business organizations, including AWB, filed a motion for intervention in the City of Everett Shoreline Master Program appeal this week. AWB joined with the Building Industry Association of Washington and the Washington Association of Realtors to ensure that economic development interests are considered in this very important appeal. For more information, contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

 

Municipal Tax Fairness on the Way --- Bill Leaves Finance Committee! This is a BIG ONE!
House Bill 2030 passed the House Finance Committee last week. SB 5900 made its way through the Senate Ways and Means also. The measures will change requirements concerning state and local taxation to provide for municipal business and occupation tax uniformity and fairness. AWB predicts a House vote may come as soon as today. Contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

 

Call and Thank Your Senator for Their Support --- Business-Friendly Bills on a Roll!
AWB is urging its members to call and thank their senators for their support in getting the following bills passed:
- SB 5378 --- Will simplify and add certainty to the calculation of workers’ comp benefits
- SB 5697 --- Will modify the inflationary adjustment to the minimum wage
- SB 5728 --- Will provide for omnibus civil liability reform

 

AWB is at the Capitol working for your business. To find out more, go to www.awb.org.
Workers’ Comp Negotiations Continue --- Meanwhile Employer Bills Move in Senate
AWB Vice President Gary Chandler and Human Resources Director Clif Finch are meeting today in the Governor’s office to see if there is a possible compromise on workers’ comp. Meanwhile, employer supported legislation cleared the senate last week. SB 5378 will simplify and add certainty to the calculation of workers’ compensation benefits. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or amberc@awb.org.

Use Tax Bill Faces No Opposition in Senate
House Bill 1977 has passed the Senate unanimously and “is now resting on the governor’s desk awaiting his signature,” said AWB’s Tom Dooley, Governmental Affairs Director. The bill will clarify an error created in a use bill last year. For more information, contact Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

 

Denny Heck Retires --- TVW Chief Leaves Big Shoes to Be Filled
Television Washington (TVW) President Denny Heck will retire on July 1. A former legislator and chief of staff for Gov. Booth Gardner, Heck ran the Legislature’s audio/visual link to the state. AWB members know him as the moderator at the policy summit each fall. He plans to return as Summit moderator next September.

 

Charter Schools Passes Senate --- Contact Your House Members Urging Them to Support It!
SSB 5012 allowing Charter Public Schools in Washington cleared the Senate last week. Action moves to the House. AWB supports SSB 5012. Contact Jim Spady at JimSpady@aol.com.
Interested in Schools? AWB Looking for Members to Serve on Education Task Force
AWB Vice Chair Mike Bernard is chairing an education task force. If you are interested in serving on the task force, please contact Don Brunell at 1-800-521-9325 or DonB@awb.org.

Jobmakers.com Adds More Bills --- Check it Out!
The AWB-backed Web site, JobMakers.com, is up and running and has the media and state Legislature talking. The site has recently added 23 new jobmaker bills and 8 new jobkiller bills. To learn more about the new bills and view the updated legislator scores, go to www.jobmakers.com.

 

AWB to Host Employment Law Seminar --- Don’t Miss It!
AWB is scheduled to host an all-day seminar, Human Resources and The Law, at the SeaTac Hilton Hotel May 15. The seminar will give employers direction on “managing the employment relationship from beginning to end.” For more information and to make reservations, contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.