2004 Legislative Session Begins Today - AWB Will Push Competitiveness Agenda!
The legislature began its 2004 session today. AWB is already hard at work lobbying legislators on issues including liability reform, water rights, health care, budgeting, workers’ comp, charter schools, and tax appeals. Most of all, we are determined to make sure that the gains we made during 2003’s legislative session are not undone by special interests. For more details on AWB’s priorities for 2004, visit here.

Call Your Legislator - We Need to Fix Workers’ Comp Now!
Workers’ comp reform cannot wait until 2005. The costs and inefficiencies are too great to ignore now when employers are just coming out of a recession. AWB has told Governor Locke that we will not back away from seeking changes in 2005. AWB and other business organizations have made workers’ comp a priority and will promote reforms for greater accountability and efficiency, the prevention of abuse, and improvement of competitiveness in our state’s workers’ comp system, while treating injured workers fairly, quickly and thoroughly. Lawmakers need to hear from you on why reform can’t wait until 2005, call your legislator today. Contact AWB’s Amber Balch Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org for information about AWB’s reform package for 2004.

AWB Meets With Rossi – More Meetings With Candidates Planned!
Last week, AWB met with gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi. AWB feels it is important to meet with the candidates in order to learn their stands on business related issues and to reach out to them with its agenda. If you would like to meet with the gubernatorial and attorney general candidates, you can attend candidate breakfasts each Thursday at 7 a.m. at AWB in Olympia during the legislative session. There is no cost, but donations are appreciated. For more information, contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

Does Your Business File Workers’ Comp Claims in Two States? AWB Still Needs Your Help!
Does your business file workers’ comp claims in two states? Then you can contribute to an AWB-led study. AWB’s Governmental Affairs Team is trying to figure out where Washington stands in comparison to other states’ workers’ comp premiums. We can only complete this important study with your help. Contact Amber Balch Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

New Washington State Patrol Chief – Governor Appoints Porter!
On Friday, Gov. Locke appointed Lowell M. Porter as the new chief of the Washington State Patrol. Chief Ronal Serpas is resigning to become chief of police in Nashville, Tennessee. Porter, 47, most recently served as deputy chief of the Washington State Patrol (WSP) and commander of the Field Operations Bureau. “Lowell’s considerable experience in many facets of the Washington State Patrol will make him an excellent chief,” Locke said. “He is well-equipped to build on the successful programs of Chief Serpas.”

Federal Class Action Legislative Update - U.S. Senate Action Could Come Next Month!
On Thursday, we have arranged for a U.S. Chamber of Commerce teleconference update on federal class action lawsuit reform. U.S. Senate action on class action lawsuit reform could come as early as February. Remember, we lost by just one vote last October when Washington’s Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray voted against ending a filibuster. If you are interested in participating in the teleconference, contact AWB’s Don Brunell at 360-943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

Education Task Force - Next Meeting February 5!
AWB’s Education Task Force will meet at 9 a.m., February 5 at AWB headquarters in Olympia. The meeting will finalize AWB’s education and workforce public policy principles. AWB members are encouraged to attend. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

Legislative Reception Coming Soon - We Still Need Sponsors!
AWB’s Legislative Reception is coming to Olympia’s Red Lion Hotel on February 10! Please pledge your support for this great event. To become a sponsor, see www.awb.org/calendar/legreception.htm. Contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.

Lobby Lunches Almost Here - Reserve Your Seat Today!
Don’t miss AWB’s Lobby Lunches every Thursday during the legislative session in the large conference room. The first of seven Lobby Lunches ($12 each) is coming on January 22. If you purchase all seven lobby lunches in advance, rates are $11 each ($77 total). To make Lobby Lunch reservations, go to www.awb.org, or contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

AWB HealthChoice - Big Company Benefits for Small Companies!
HealthChoice, brought to you by AWB and Premera Blue Cross, has five different plans open to businesses with two or more employees. For more information, visit www.awb.org/benefits/healthchoicefeatures.htm. Contact Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.

Session Office Hours Begin Today - 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m!
Beginning today, AWB will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Once the legislative session ends, we return to regular office hours.