Senate Passes Gov’s Budget—Contact Your House Member & Tell Them To Follow Senate’s Lead
The State Senate passed a supplemental budget designed to save $127 million in 2003 alone and $250 million between 2003 and 2005 largely with Republican support. This version of SB 5403, sponsored by Sen. Dino Rossi (R- Sammamish), sets in motion the Gov’s Priorities of Government plan sooner than anticipated. Now SB 5403 goes to the House where it faces opposition. Contact your House members to tell them to follow the direction of the Senate and Gov. Locke. Contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

 

Ergo Bill on Its Way Up – Contact Your Legislators & Ask Them to Support SB 5161
The Senate Commerce & Trade Committee passed the ergonomics bill, SB 5161. The bill now goes to Rules before being eligible for a full vote from the Senate. You need to call, write or e-mail your legislators. Tell them to pass SB 5161. Call the legislative hotline at 1-800-562-6000 or go to www.awb.org to send them an e-mail. Send that message—TODAY! Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or amberc@awb.org.

 

AWB Task Force Takes Elevator Licensing to Top Floor –Going Up? You Need to Check This Out!
Labor and Industries’ rule making on SHB 2629, Licensing Elevator Contractors and Mechanics, has generated a great deal of concern among AWB members. In response, AWB formed Elevator Licensing Task Force. If you have any type of elevator in your workplace, you need to check this out. It could impact you. Contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

 

U.S. Census Bureau Needs Your Input – Help Chart Washington’s Progress!
In December, the U.S. Census Bureau sent five million American businesses their 2002 Economic Census forms – including 110,000 here in Washington. The deadline for these forms is Feb. 12. Pay attention to this one. For more information, contact the U.S. Census Bureau at (877) 790-1876 or www.census.gov/2002promo.

 

Got a View on Minimum Wage – Make it Heard Today!
Make plans to attend minimum wage hearings next week to testify on the state’s minimum wage law. The first meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 5. The second meeting will take place Thursday, Feb. 6. Both are at 8 a.m. You need to make legislators aware of the significant impact our state’s high minimum wage has on You. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

 

Legislative Reception Almost Here – Become a Sponsor Today!
The annual AWB Legislative Reception is scheduled for Feb. 12 at the WestCoast Hotel in Olympia. Gov. Gary Locke will be the luncheon keynote speaker. Help us by becoming a sponsor. For more information on becoming a sponsor or to register, go to http://www.awb.org/calendar/legreception.htm or contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

 

Gain Valuable Insight From Legislative Leaders -- Attend Next Week's Lobby Lunch!
Sen. Jim West (R-6) and Republican Leader Rep. Cathy McMorris (R-7) addressed AWB members at the Jan. 30 Lobby Lunch. Rep. Frank Chopp (D-43) and Senate Minority Leader Lisa Brown will speak at next week's Lobby Lunch. To reserve your seat, call AWB's Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.