***ALERT!***AWB’s Legislative Reception Tuesday – It’s Not Too Late to Register!
Contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600or KandiceJ@awb.org to register. Or, go to www.awb.org.

Gov. Locke Asks for Sales Tax Hike – Find Out Why!
Gov. Gary Locke introduced his plan for raising Washington’s sales tax by one penny to increase educational funding by $1 billion. The plan was unveiled Feb. 5 in Olympia. The increase is expected to cost state households anywhere from $13 to $40 a month. Gov. Locke hasn’t decided to seek out the legislature’s help getting the measure on November’s ballot or whether to pursue the raise using a citizen’s initiative. AWB is researching the proposed raise and will announce its stance once the Board of Director’s has voted.

High Tech R&D Bill Could Head To Governor as Soon as This Week
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2546 passed out of the House of Representatives last week on an 86-to-12 vote and Senate Bill 6239 passed the Senate 35 to 13. Both bills extend and modify the current sales and use tax deferral and B&O tax credit for high technology businesses that perform research and development activities in Washington. The Senate plans to vote this week to send ESHB 2546 to the Governor’s desk. CALL YOUR SENATOR AND URGE THEM TO PASS THIS BILL TO THE GOVERNOR!! For more information, contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

Workers’ Comp System SB 5378 Up For Senate Vote – Call Your Senator Today!
SB 5378 recently came out of the Senate Commerce & Trade Committee. The bill is now waiting for a pull to the floor of the Senate where it will then be voted on. The measure addresses recent court decisions that have been wreaking havoc in the workers’ comp system – the Cockle and Avundes decisions. The Cockle decision adds healthcare to the traditional definition of wages, and has left open to additional litigation other like benefits with no end in sight for future litigation. SB 5378 also establishes a flat rate, which makes Washington more comparable with other states on how benefits are paid. AWB is urging its members to call their Senators today and tell them to vote YES! on SB 5378. To learn more, contact AWB’s Amber Balch Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Streamlined Sales Tax Bill Stalls in Senate but Passes House Committee
A bill to bring the state of Washington into conformance with the National Streamlined Sales Tax Agreement cleared the House Finance Committee on a party line, 5 to 4, vote this week. The sticking point in both houses appears to be the “sourcing” provisions of the bill, which would dictate that a sale takes place where delivery occurs. A number of cities have opposed the bill because the “sourcing” provisions would have a negative effect on revenues in their jurisdictions. AWB supports the uniformity and fairness represented in the Streamlined Sales Tax Agreement and is urging legislators to reach consensus on a bill that would bring our state to the table on important issues before the national project. For more information, contact AWB’s Tom Dooley at (360) 943-1600 or TomD@awb.org.

Changes Coming Soon to Business Issues – Find Out More!
The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has drafted proposed changes in the text of rules regarding benzene, scaffolds, and asbestos. The rewrites are an attempt to increase clarity within the current rules. Those interested in reviewing these changes or providing comments are encouraged to contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

Ecology Holding Water Workshops – Don’t Miss Out!
The Department of Ecology is conducting informational public workshops on Washington's Water Quality Assessment and updating the Clean Water Act. These workshops are designed to provide general information about Washington’s Water Quality Assessment. The workshops will also assist the public in using the map and reporting tools available and give them an opportunity to review and comment on the water body assessments. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Dino Rossi Speaks to Members About Race For Governor Seat – View Speech Online!
Gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi spoke to AWB members Thursday morning during a Candidate Breakfast at AWB headquarters. During his speech, Rossi described how his private sector experience differentiates his candidacy from democratic opponents. Phil Talmadge will speak to members at AWB during the next Candidate Breakfast Feb. 12 at 7 a.m. For more information, contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org. To watch Rossi’s full speech, go to www.awb.org.

Contact Your Legislator to Request Comprehensive Tort Reform!
This week, the state Senate needs your encouragement to move to the floor comprehensive liability reform, including a limitation on non-economic damages. For more information on how to get involved in our grassroots effort, contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org today! To learn more about the details of the tort reform proposal before the legislature, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at the same number or KrisT@awb.org.

Sen. Brown, Speaker Chopp Address Members at Lobby Lunch Thursday
Senator Lisa Brown and House Speaker Frank Chopp spoke to attendees at last week’s Lobby Lunch Thursday. Rep. Richard DeBolt and Sen. Bill Finkbeiner will speak to members during the next Lobby Lunch Feb. 12. Don’t miss AWB’s Lobby Lunches every Thursday during the legislative session in the large conference room. To make Lobby Lunch reservations, contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

WashACE Partner to Hold 72nd Annual Dinner Soon – Save the Date!
The Washington Research Council (WRC) is scheduled to host its 72nd Annual Dinner May 4 at The Washington Athletic Club at 7:30 p.m. The event’s featured speaker is U.S. News & World Report Senior Writer Michael Barone, principal co-author of The Almanac of American Politics, and one of the nation’s most respected political analysts. WRC members are encouraged to attend for an entertaining & informative evening. An invitation, with RSVP, will be e-mailed in early April.

New AWB Asset for Members – How Can She Help Your Business?
Darci Walter has been named Major Account Relations Manager for AWB. She is responsible for retention and recruitment and enhance relationships with members. For more information, contact AWB’s Darci Walter at (360) 943-1600 or DarciW@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 or contact Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.