Special Session Kicks Off – Tell House to Pass Budget Which Lives Within Existing Revenues!
2003’s special Legislative Session formally began today. Gov. Locke and the Senate are still championing a budget that avoids new taxes while preserving essential services. House leadership still insists on new taxes and pay raises for public employees. Tell your legislators to follow the lead of the Governor and Senate and pass a budget which lives within revenues available. Contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

 

Unions Picket AWB Protesting Budget Cuts---March was Peaceful, Orderly & Respectful!
With the legislature on a rolling recess while budget negotiators hammer out their differences, the SEIU (Service Employees International Union) representing home health care workers picketed AWB this afternoon. They are upset because lawmakers have not funded the contract they negotiated as a result of passage of Initiative 775 two years ago. The home care worker bill will add $98 million to the state’s $2.6 billion budget deficit for 2003-05 if approved. The protest was orderly and peaceful.

 

Water Policy Reform – Urge Legislature to Act!
Major water policy reform bills were stalled for most of 2003’s regular Legislative Session. 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.
 

Governor Signs Bills to Attract High Tech Industry – Washington Wins!
Doing business in Washington just got a lot easier for the semiconductor industry. Gov. Locke signed SB 5725, which will create tax incentives for southwest Washington’s semiconductor manufacturers. This legislation helps Washington become competitive with other states that are enticing companies with tax breaks and other incentives. Contact AWB’s Gary Chandler at (360) 943-1600 or GaryC@awb.org.

 

SB 5271 and SB 5378 – Get Behind This Workers’ Comp Reform Package!
SB 5271 reforms Washington’s hearing loss claims procedure. SB 5378 simplifies and brings more certainty to the calculation of workers’ comp benefits. Let your legislators know you support these important bills. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or amberc@awb.org.

 

SB 5256 Signed Into Law – Thank You, Gov. Locke!
The Governor has signed SB 5256, a bill that gives members of the public, who will be affected by state agency regulations, to have meaningful input in developing those rules. This is a great victory for AWB and the business community. Contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or amberc@awb.org.

 

Hiring a Teen This Summer? Know the Rules!
Remember that if you are hiring anyone under the age of 18 this summer, Washington state has very specific rules regarding the work they can do and the hours they can work. There are also separate paperwork requirements. Go to http://www.lni.wa.gov/scs/workstandards/teenworker.htm for the information you need.

 

AWB’s Health Care Forum Coming Soon – Don’t Miss It!
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash), U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt (R-Wash, 5th) and British Columbia Minister of Health Services Colin Hansen are among our great array of guests. Be there on May 13 (8 a.m. to Noon) at Seattle’s Four Seasons Olympic Hotel. To register, visit www.awb.org or contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

 

Nominations for the Board of Directors Now Being Accepted—Contact Dick Walter
AWB’s Nominating Committee will meet on May 22 in Spokane to nominate members for three-year terms on the Board. If you are interested, please contact AWB’s Dick Walter at (360) 943-1600 or DickW@awb.org.

 

Great Speakers at AWB Spring Meeting — Mark This One on Your Calendar!
Priorities of Government (P.O.G.) developer Peter Hutchinson and Dr. Yvonne Chan of LA’s Vaughn School will speak at AWB’s Spring Board meeting at Spokane’s Red Lion Hotel at the Park. For more details, check AWB’s updated Calendar of Events at http://www.awb.org/calendarevents.shtml. Contact Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.