Workers’ Comp Bills Teetering – Call Your Senator Today!
Two key measures, SB 5378 and SB 5271, will be voted on Tuesday. Contact your Senator today. Urge him or her to vote for these two bills. SB 5378 will implement comprehensive reform to the claim processing system, reduce complexity, eliminate legal uncertainty, and save millions of dollars in administrative costs. 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. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

 

AWB President Testifies Supporting “Fundamental Concepts” of Governor’s Budget Proposal
AWB President Don Brunell testified in support of the concepts incorporated in Gov. Gary Locke’s operating budget proposal Feb. 13. “Gov. Locke is attempting to pass a budget which will stimulate our economy and increase state tax collections. That way, we can produce enough revenue and jobs in our state to support needed programs,” Brunell said. AWB pledged its support to the Governor and legislators in coming up with a budget that revitalizes our economy. To view Brunell’s testimony, go to www.awb.org.

 

AWB Takes on Minimum Wage – Tell Your Senator To Support SB 5681 And SB 5697!
Two Senate bills, SB 5681 and SB 5697, would have a significant impact on the state’s high minimum wage rate. SB 5681 will tie the state's minimum wage rate to the unemployment rate in Washington state, prohibit local governments from adopting a “living wage” and allow employers to hire teens at a lower rate. SB 5697 would make sure the minimum wage rate is adjusted by the rate of inflation. Go to www.awb.org, call your Senator and tell them to support both of these bills. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

 

AWB Turns Up Heat On “Mercury Reduction” Bill
A bill that would ban a number of mercury-containing products, including auto-switched thermostats and thermometers, passed out of the House Committee on Fisheries, Ecology & Parks earlier in the week. AWB has actively opposed SHB 1002, which is currently under consideration by the House Rules Committee. To learn how you can help, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

 

Governor Reveals Plan to Create Jobs to AWB Members
Gov. Gary Locke was the keynote speaker at AWB’s annual Legislative Reception luncheon held Feb. 12 at the Olympia WestCoast Hotel. Locke covered key steps that must be made to improve the state’s economy. “I am confident that if government and business continue to work together and focus on our true priorities, better days are ahead,” he said. To view the rest of his speech, go to www.awb.org.

 

Take Health Care Survey – Help Make Improvements!
AWB is asking its members to take part in a short survey hosted by the Washington Health Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on the betterment of health care provided to Washington. To take part in the survey, go to http://www.whf.org/transforming_HC_survey.html. 

 

Last Chance to Advertise in the "Taxing Business" Edition of Magazine
The deadline for accepting advertising and sponsorships in the Spring Issue of Washington Business Magazine is Friday, Feb 21. Contact Deborah Haydon at 360-297-4228 or debAQP@awb.net.

 

Showcase Your Company – Become an ECW Sponsor Today!
Get your company the recognition it deserves by becoming a sponsor of the 2003 Environmental Conference of Washington June 11-12 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle. Go to www.ecwashington.org or call AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.