Washington Needs an Economic Development Commission – Urge Gov. Locke to Sign SHB 1509!
Supported by AWB, the Washington Roundtable and the Governor’s Competitiveness Council, SHB 1509, a bill to create a permanent Economic Development Commission, was approved by the Legislature. SHB 1509 will help Washington build continuity in long-term planning for investing in and growing our economy. Urge Gov. Locke to sign SHB 1509 by e-mailing him at http://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/govemail.htm.

 

Water Policy Reform – Show Your Support!
Major water policy reform bills have been stalled for most of 2003’s Legislative Session. SB 5028, HB 1317, HB 1336 and HB 1338 deserve your support. Urge your legislators not to leave Olympia 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.

 

AWB Education Task Force Meets – Reform Agenda Emerges!
AWB’s Education Task Force met in Bellevue on April 30. Its recommendations include ending the prevailing wage requirement for school construction, bringing charter schools to Washington, and incorporating Gov. Locke’s “Priorities of Government” process into public education. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

Charter Schools Only Needs to Clear the House---Tell Your Legislators to Vote For It!
When lawmakers reconvene in Olympia for a special session on May 12, they ought to give the authorization for Washington to become the 40th state to allow charter schools. Tell legislators to pass Charter Schools this year. Contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

Video Gaming May Be the Revenue Source --  Lawmakers Need to Balance the Budget!
Private sector video gaming is still up in the air. AWB is not advocating gambling, but restaurants should be able to compete with tribal casinos on a level playing field. The legislation levies a 20 percent state tax on net receipts and tacks on another 5 percent for local governments. If approved, each year Washington would gain $200 million. Local governments would receive $50 million. Contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

 

Negotiations Continue on Workers Comp and Unemployment—Stayed Tuned
When Washington lawmakers go into special session next Monday, AWB will continue to push for major reforms in unemployment insurance and workers comp. “We don’t want another year of double digit rate increases,” AWB President Don Brunell said. “We need reforms this year.” Tom Dooley is AWB’s chief negotiator on unemployment insurance and Amber Carter, Clif Finch and Gary Chandler are working on workers’ comp. Go to www.awb.org for the latest.

Legislative Session Ends – AWB Returns to Normal Office Hours
During legislative sessions, AWB follows the same 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. schedule as Washington’s Legislature. Now that the regular session is over, AWB has returned to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. office hours. Remember, even when the Legislature goes into special session later this month, AWB will remain on normal office hours.

 

Great Speakers, Great Topics at AWB’s Health Care Forum – Mark it Down on Your Calendar!
Where else but at AWB’s Health Care Forum will you hear great guests like U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash), U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt (R-Wash, 5th) and British Columbia Minister of Health Services Colin Hansen discussing health care? Don't miss it. It is on May 13 (8 a.m. to Noon) at Seattle’s Four Seasons Hotel. To register, visit www.awb.org or contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

 

Budget Expert & Innovative Educator at AWB Spring Meeting —Don’t Miss This Event!
Priorities of Government (P.O.G.) developer Peter Hutchinson and Dr. Yvonne Chan of LA’s Vaughn School will speak at AWB’s Spring Executive Board meeting in Spokane. 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.

 

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.

 

Online AWB Registration – Easier Than Ever Before!
AWB has always offered its members excellent events and seminars. Now you can register online in one place for these great AWB events. Visit http://www.awb.org/calendar/onlineregistrations.htm for information and registration links.

 

Watch Your Mailbox for the New Issue of Washington Business Magazine
Watch your mailbox. The latest issue of Washington Business Magazine should be there by this week. Give us your feedback. Contact AWB’s Alexis Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@awb.org.