Unemployment Insurance---Urge Gov. Locke to Sign the Entire Bill
Now that the Legislature has adjourned and the unemployment insurance reforms have passed, please thank your legislators and Gov. Locke for passing the bill. Urge Gov. Locke to sign the bill as sent to him. Go to www.awb.org for the list of legislators voting for the bill. Click on to our website and send your legislators a thank you e-mail for voting for the bill.

 

Stormwater Permit Appeal Ruling Bad for Business – AWB May Appeal!
The Pollution Control Hearings Board has ruled in favor of environmental appellants on two issues that are critically important to AWB members covered under the Industrial Stormwater General Permit. If left unchallenged, the ruling would prohibit compliance schedules and mixing zones as currently allowed and substantially increase costs for businesses. AWB is reviewing the ruling for a possible appeal. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

 

Water Reform Approved by House – Tell Governor to Sign it Into Law!
SB 5028, which prevents the state from using water quality laws while increasing fines for violations, was passed earlier this week. Other water-related bills awaiting the Governor’s signature are HB 1336, which deals with watershed planning, and HB 1338, which provides for certainty and flexibility of municipal water rights. Urge Gov. Locke to sign these important reforms into law. Contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@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 Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

Class Action Reform Victory—Tell Dunn, Hastings, Larsen and Nethercutt Thanks!
Class action reform legislation just passed the House by a vote of 253 to 170. AWB has been coordinating efforts in Washington state with former Gov. Booth Gardner to pass the bill. H.R. 1115 now goes to the Senate. E-mail Senators Cantwell and Murray and urge them to vote for class action reform legislation. Please send thank you e-mails to the following Washington members of Congress: Rick Larsen, Jennifer Dunn, Doc Hastings and George Nethercutt. This is a victory for legal reform. For their e-mail addresses, click here.

 

Sample E-mails/Letters to Request That Gov. Locke Sign UI Reform Bill SB 6097 and Workers’ Comp Hearing Loss Bill SB 5271
The Governor has until July 3 to sign the unemployment insurance reform bill, which will save employers over $150 million per year, and the workers’ comp hearing loss bill, which will save employers almost $20 million per year. Please put your e-mail or letter in your own words and add a personal story of how unemployment insurance and workers' comp taxes are hurting you. Go to www.awb.org/news/xarticles/sampleemails061603.htm.

 

Book an AWB Speaker - Get Up-to-Date Information on Business Issues!
Whether you need wage and hour information or want to host a community discussion on transportation, the AWB speaker's bureau is available to help. AWB provides speakers for chambers of commerce, community meetings and even in-house training sessions. For more information, go to www.awb.org/ga/speakersmain.html.

 

Washington Business Week – Sign Up a High School Student and Give Your Support!
Washington Business Week is gearing up for a busy summer. Help support Business Week through tax-deductible donations, volunteerism or scholarships, and by telling young people about the program. Space is still available, but deadlines are fast approaching. For more information, call (800) 686-6442 or visit www.wbw.org.

 

State Transportation Board Seeking Private Sector Board Member – Apply Now!
The Washington State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) needs a private sector representative to fill a position on the Board. Qualifications include business, management and transportation-related experience. Applicants should be active in a business community-based transportation organization. The TIB administers grant funding for local government transportation projects. Contact TIB Executive Director Steve Gorchester at (360) 586-1140 or visit www.tib.wa.gov.