Washington’s Tort Reform Bill – Call Your Legislators TODAY!
Washington’s first chance for real tort reform, ESSB 5728, is in the House Judiciary Committee. Call your Representative at 1-800-562-6000 to urge them to pass the bill. For more information, read the latest “Online Exclusive” at www.awb.org or contact AWB’s Clif Finch at (360) 943-1600 or ClifF@awb.org.

 

New Taxes on the Horizon? Tell Your Legislator to Hold the Line!
“I do not believe we will have a no-new-tax budget,” Rep. Helen Sommers (D-36) said at our AWB lobby lunch last Thursday. Sommers, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, stressed the $2.6 billion shortfall between the House’s budget and Gov. Locke’s spending priorities. Tell your legislators that state government must learn to live within its means. Go to www.awb.org and email your legislator.

 

Shoreline Compromise – Urge the Senate to Act!
HB 1933, which allows more certain development of shoreline facilities, passed in the House and is in the Senate Land Use and Planning Committee. Go to http://www.awb.org/ga/senatelinks.asp and urge them to support this badly needed legislation. Contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

 

Gas Tax Increase Planned – How Will it Affect You?
House Democrats unveiled a transportation package on March 25. The plan includes a 3-cent-a-gallon gas-tax increase, a 15 percent increase in truck-weight fees, and a 0.6 percent tax on the purchase of new and used vehicles. Meanwhile, Gov. Locke is calling for 4-cents-per-gallon while the Senate wants a nickel-a-gallon. The Senate’s bipartisan plan focuses on alleviating traffic congestion while also providing for ferries and rail improvements. For more information, contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

 

Contact Senators Murray and Cantwell—Urge Them to Support Class Action Lawsuit Reform
The United States Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on S 274, the Class Action Fairness Act, on Thursday, April 3. Contact Senators Murray and Cantwell today. Ask them to support the bill and to urge their colleagues to vote for S 274. For details on the bill, go to www.awb.org or contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

 

AWB’s Online Exclusives – Must Read Articles for Our Members!
In addition to the plethora of resources already available on www.awb.org, members can now access insightful "web only" articles as well. These articles will provide quick coverage of the latest issues that affect our economy. Go to www.awb.org/absolutenm/anmviewer.asp?a=125&z=1.

 

AWB to Host Employment Law Seminar - Don’t Miss It!
AWB will host “Human Resources and The Law,” at the SeaTac Hilton on May 15. This all-day seminar will give employers direction on “managing the employment relationship from beginning to end.” For more information or to make reservations, contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

 

Washington Wage & Hour Update – Put This One on Your Calendar!
Don’t get caught on the wrong side of L&I regulations. AWB’s Washington Wage & Hour seminar will give you the details on proper payment for employees and how to avoid lawsuits from disgruntled employees. For more information on the June 4 seminar, contact Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

 

Environmental Compliance – A Must Attend Event!
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, this seminar will be held June 11 and 12 at the Washington Convention & Trade Center. Visit www.ecwashington.org and register online.