Workers’ Comp Reform: SB 5271 Passed Senate – Contact Your House Members to Support It!
SB 5271 passed the Senate on Feb. 17. It is aimed at reducing costs associated with workers’ compensation. AWB members are encouraged to keep the ball rolling by telling your representatives to vote yes on SB 5378. SB 5378 would simplify and add certainty to the calculation of workers' compensation benefits. For more information on the bill, contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or amberc@awb.org.

 

Help AWB Help You – Ask Your Senator to Support Minimum Wage Legislation!
Call or e-mail your Senator and urge them to support AWB-sponsored minimum wage bills SB 5681 and SB 5697. The bills would have a significant impact on the state’s high minimum wage rate. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org. Go to www.awb.org and send an e-mail to your legislators.

 

Ergo Repeal Bill Gets the Votes – Find Out How This Affects Your Business! Tell ‘em to Pass It!
A small step was taken by the Senate to help Washington employers compete after last Tuesday’s passing of AWB-backed SB 5161. SB 5161 will make the current ergonomics rules available for voluntary use but would have no force or effect. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or amberc@awb.org.

 

U.S. Tort System Costs Up - Underscores Need for Liability Insurance Reform
The costs of the U.S. tort system increased 14.3 percent in 2001, the highest one-year percentage increase since 1986, according to a new study. The total system cost hovers at $205.4 billion or $721 per U.S. Citizen. Wonder why AWB is pushing for comprehensive liability insurance reform at the state and federal level? For a copy of the report, go to www.businessinsurance.com.

 

Get Shorelines Flowing – Support HB 1769!
By supporting HB 1769, AWB members will aid in “establishing a schedule of time limits under which local governments must develop or amend shoreline master plans.” Don’t let years of shorelines management litigation float away. Contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

 

Gov. to Back Municipal Tax Fairness—Tell the Governor Thanks and Urge Legislators to Support
Gov. Locke supports two municipal tax fairness bills; HB 2030 and SB 5900, both pushed by AWB. If passed, both bills will change requirements regarding state and local taxes to provide municipal business and occupation tax uniformity and fairness. Contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

 

Energy Supply and Costs are Critical to Washington Employers---Brunell Tells BPA
On Tuesday, Feb. 25, AWB President Don Brunell will be in Portland testifying at Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) hearings urging the Administration not to impose a 20 to 25 percent electricity rate increase next October. For more information on energy issues, contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

 

Does Your Company Match Up? – Community Service Awards Coming Soon!
The annual AWB Community Service Awards are coming to you soon. This is your opportunity to be recognized for your good deeds. To submit your nomination, contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

 

AWB is asking its members to take part in a survey (http://www.whf.org/transforming_HC_survey.html) hosted by the Washington Health Foundation, a non-profit foundation promoting health care solutions.

 

AWB Outreaches in Walla Walla and Marysville---Plan to Attend!
AWB President Don Brunell will be in Walla Walla and Marysville this week meeting with AWB members and chambers. Plan to attend breakfasts sponsored by the Walla Walla and Marysville-Tulalip chambers. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.