Special Fast Facts on Wednesday--- Special Session, Special Report!
Because things are so fluid at the state capitol with unemployment insurance, workers comp, water law, tax incentives for the 7E7 program and charter schools, we will put out a special report on Wednesday. The special session is scheduled to adjourn Tuesday night. Stay tuned!

 

Legislature Passes No-New-Tax Budget – Urge Governor to Sign it Into Law!
The House and Senate have passed the 2003-2005 operating budget. It closes the $2.7 billion revenue shortfall without raising general business taxes. This is a great victory for AWB, the business community and Washington’s economy! Tell Gov. Locke you support this budget and want him to sign it into law. Contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

 

Unemployment Insurance Reform – Tell Your Lawmakers to Act Now!
Washington may not build Boeing’s 7E7 if lawmakers do not lower unemployment insurance. Other states competing for the 7E7 have much lower rates. Boeing’s 7E7 deadline for action is June 20. The Governor, House, Senate and Boeing’s Machinists Union support reform. Unfortunately, some elements of organized labor are trying to stall this important legislation. Urge your legislators to reform workers’ comp and unemployment insurance now. Contact Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

 

Reforming Workers’ Comp – Just Do It!
Boeing has made it clear that Washington needs to lower its workers’ comp costs if it wants the 7E7. Unfortunately, it appears that the Legislature will only reform workers’ comp hearing loss claims this session. This is a step forward but short of the comprehensive reforms AWB pushed and Boeing demands. Tell your legislators that Washington’s economy needs workers’ comp reform now. Contact AWB’s Clif Finch at (360) 943-1600 or ClifF@awb.org.

 

End Washington’s Water Wars – Time for Action!
The Legislature has not acted on several major water policy reform bills. SB 5028, HB 1317, HB 1336 and HB 1338 deserve your support. Urge your legislators not to leave the special Legislative Session without acting on the most significant package of water reforms in years. Contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

 

Follow Chan’s Advice - Urge YOUR Legislators to Pass the Charter Schools Bill - No Excuses!
If you want schools like the Vaughn Next Century Learning Center in Los Angeles created by Dr. Yvonne Chan, contact your legislators today to tell them to pass SB 5012---the Charter Schools Bill. It is time. No more excuses. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

More Electric Rate Hikes? Tell Gov. Locke to Just Say No to BPA!
BPA is planning a rate hike that will raise electric bills by 41 percent. Urge Gov. Locke to oppose BPA’s plan. BPA needs to cut costs instead of damaging the economy with higher electric rates. Contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

Class Action Lawsuit Reform Vote Scheduled in Congress---Contact Your Members of Congress Today!
In Washington D.C., the trial lawyers are pulling out all the stops to kill H.R. 1115, the Class Action Fairness Act of 2003. AWB members are urged to contact all members of the House and urge them to support H.R. 1115 as a way of improving the legal climate in the United States. Congress will vote on the bill either Tuesday or Wednesday. Go to AWB’s website to link to Congress. Tell your Representative to vote for H.R. 1115---no excuses. Contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

Environmental Conference Coming This Week – Register Now While You Still Can!
Get the tools you need to implement an effective environmental management program by attending the 2003 Environmental Conference of Washington. Sponsored by AWB and the Northwest Environmental Business Council, the conference will cover many topics, including "Proposed Shoreline Guidelines: What do they mean to you now?" with Kristen Sawin. This seminar will be held June 11 and 12 at Seattle’s Washington Convention & Trade Center. Visit www.ecwashington.org and register online.