Unemployment Insurance Reform Signed Into Law – Thank you, Gov. Locke!
AWB won a big victory last week when Gov. Locke signed SB 6097. This bill reduces unemployment insurance costs to employers, provides more job opportunities and increases Washington’s chances of landing Boeing’s 7E7 assembly in Everett or Moses Lake. Send the Governor an e-mail thanking him for signing SB 6097. Contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

 

Hearing Loss Claims Reform Signed Into Law – The Economy Wins! Thank the Gov. for Signing Bill!
Gov. Locke has signed legislation that will reform the workers’ comp hearing loss claims system. Saving employers nearly $20 million per year, SB 5271 will bring needed changes to hearing loss claimants but limit cash disability payments to workers who file within two years after leaving their job. This is a good step forward, but short of the comprehensive reforms AWB pushed and Boeing demands. Nevertheless, AWB commends the Governor for signing SB 5271. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or amberc@awb.org.

 

Workers’ Comp - Much Work Still Ahead! Tell Your Legislators That Supreme Court Decisions Must be Addressed!
While AWB and employers made progress with SB 5271, lawmakers failed to address the key court decisions which are major cost factors for employers. With workers’ comp rates increasing an average 29 percent this year and poised to go up by another 20 to 30 percent next year, lawmakers still must address the Cockle and Avundes decisions. Contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or amberc@awb.org.

 

ERGO Poll - You Can Help Decide! Go to www.awb.org and Vote!
Last week AWB’s Governmental Affairs Council (GAC) voted overwhelmingly to support I-841, an initiative to repeal the state’s controversial ergonomic rules. The Board asked GAC for its recommendation in May and directed us to immediately poll our Board with the GAC recommendation. We are currently polling the Board, but you too can have your say. Click here and vote today.

 

Time to Kill the Death Tax – Urge Senators Murray and Cantwell to Support S.13!
Now that the U.S. House of Representatives voted to permanently end the death tax, the U.S. Senate must follow suit. Tell Senators Murray and Cantwell to vote for S.13, which will finally abolish the federal estate tax once and for all. Remind our senators that many family-owned businesses will be lost if the death tax is not eliminated. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

State Submits Bid for 7E7 Assembly – Gov. Locke Confident Boeing Will Choose Washington!
Last Friday, Washington delivered an impressive incentive package to encourage Boeing to assemble the 7E7 in the state. The final package includes an estimated $3 billion in tax incentives for the aerospace industry, a transportation-improvement package that includes a five-cent-a-gallon gas tax, and reforms to the state's unemployment insurance and injured workers' compensation systems. “We are confident that Boeing will choose Washington as the best place to build this airplane," said Gov. Locke. AWB President Don Brunell is on the Governor’s 7E7 Action Team. Contact 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 for electric bills this fall. Urge Gov. Locke to oppose BPA’s plan. BPA needs to cut costs instead of damaging the economy with higher electric rates. Contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

 

Everything You Want to Know About Energy - Checkout the July Issue of Washington Business Magazine
In July you will receive the latest issue of Washington Business Magazine which features everything you want to know about energy and other timely topics. For example, if you want to know what makes Schweitzer Engineering Labs, Inc. (SEL) Washington’s latest success story, read about it in Washington Business Magazine. Contact AWB’s Alexis Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@awb.org.

 

Policy Summit - Look for Early Bird Registration Materials and Sponsorship Forms
Check your e-mail and post office box! The Policy Summit Early Bird Registration materials are coming soon. Also, if you would like to sponsor this year’s Summit (Sept 24-26) at the Inn at Semi-ah-moo, contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.  Get your room reservations today by calling 360-224-5100 or (800) 770-7992.