Tom McBride Joins AWB’s Governmental Affairs Team – Will Start June 21!
AWB welcomes its newest staff member Tom McBride. Starting June 21, Tom will be Governmental Affairs’ point person for tax and fiscal issues, unemployment insurance and transportation. Tom comes to AWB from the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) where he served as Director of Intergovernmental Relations since 2002. Prior to joining CTED, Tom practiced law in Seattle with Cairncross & Hempelmann and in Spokane with Winston & Cashatt. As a lawyer, Tom's practice focused on the representation of businesses in commercial litigation and bankruptcy matters. Tom is a lifelong Washington resident with degrees from Whitman College and Gonzaga School of Law. We look forward to having Tom on our team!

Heartland Institute Study on Global Warming Finds Kyoto Protocol Expensive to Washington
A recent study by the Heartland Institute found that if Washington state were to impose mandatory reductions in CO2 similar to those contemplated by the Kyoto Protocol, the average Washington household would pay more than $5,300 per year in higher priced goods and services and lost income. The state government would lose more than $3.3 billion in tax revenue each year. For information, go to www.heartland.org/article.cfm?artld=11713.

AWB Urges Support for Federal Transportation Bill – Washington Could Receive Billions!
AWB is urging President Bush and the Washington congressional delegation to approve $318 billion in transportation funding this year. The vehicle for this transportation funding is TEA-21, the shortened title for the Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2003. This bill reauthorizes the federal aid surface transportation program through 2009. It distributes federal gas taxes collected at the pump for the nation’s highway system. The money is in the Highway Trust Fund and would not increase the national deficit. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

Water Resources Committee Meeting – Important Issues to Be Discussed!
AWB’s Water Resources Committee will meet on Monday, June 21, at AWB. Legislative issues for the 2005 session and a request for a friend-of-the-court brief in the Motley vs. DOE case will be discussed. Contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

Tort Reform’s Time is Now – Tell Murray and Cantwell to Support It!
Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell need to stop opposing a tort reform bill, supported by employers, so it can come to a Senate vote. Contact Murray via e-mail at senator_murray@murray.senate.gov or fax (202) 224-0238 and Cantwell fax (202) 228-0514 or e-mail at maria_cantwell@cantwell.senate.gov today. Ask them to support class action lawsuit reform. Please copy Don Brunell at DonB@awb.org with your e-mails and the senators’ responses.

What’s Going On With Workers’ Comp? Let Amber Update Your Organization!
Find out what’s going on with workers’ comp this summer by scheduling AWB Governmental Affairs Director Amber Balch Carter to meet with your organization. Your group will receive an overview of the problems facing the business community along with proposed solutions. You will also receive key updates on what is happening with future rate increases, the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission and much more. AWB is available to meet with your general membership, board or legislative committee. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (800) 521-9325 or ShannonG@awb.org.

PERSONAL NOTE: Please Remember the Wounded as Well!
Please keep Army Chaplain Tim Vakoc in your thoughts and prayers. He is in Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., after being hit by a roadside bomb in Iraq. He was returning from conducting Catholic services in the field for the troops. If he makes it, he is likely to have some paralysis. Too often we hear about those troops killed, but not those who are seriously injured. Father Vakoc was assigned to Fort Lewis. Please remember him and all of our troops. Thanks.

Seneca Announcement Leaves Washington’s Asparagus Industry on Life Support - See this week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.