AWB Urges Senators Murray and Cantwell to Support Changes to Fair Labor Standards Act and Oppose Harkin Change
AWB is urging Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell to support the modernization of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) to cut down on litigation over job titles and overtime. “Our goal is to put more money in the workers’ pocket and take it from the trial lawyers,” AWB President Don Brunell said. The central issue is FLSA part 541 which governs what has been known as the “white-collar exemption.” AWB, along with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers wants Murray and Cantwell to oppose amendments by Senators Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Tom Daschle (D-SD) which basically will increase litigation. For additional information, contact Kris Tefft at 360-943-1600 or e-mail at KrisT@awb.org. Meanwhile, contact Murray and Cantwell to support the changes without the Harkin amendment.

 

 The first meeting of what was the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Workers’ Comp showed hopeful signs. It is now called the Business/Labor Workers’ Comp Group and it will meet again on Thursday, May 6, in Seattle. To support the group’s work, AWB has formed an employers’ caucus. That caucus met last Thursday and will meet Wednesday, May 5, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at AWB and Friday, May 7, 2 to 4 p.m., at Weyerhaeuser in Federal Way. AWB President Don Brunell, who is one of seven employer representatives, said the group hopes to conclude discussions by Oct. 15 and reach an agreement on reforms. Employers are encouraged to participate in the employers’ caucus. For additional information on the meetings, contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org. (Amber Balch Carter will be out for the next couple of weeks, so please direct all calls and correspondence to Don Brunell at DonB@awb.org or Gary Chandler at GaryC@awb.org or (360) 943-1600. Thank you.)

 

Talmadge Drops Out of Gubernatorial Race - It’s Now Gregoire vs. Sims in Demo Primary!
Phil Talmadge ended his quest for the Democrats’ gubernatorial nomination on Thursday. Talmadge, a former State Supreme Court justice and long-time legislator, left the race due to health concerns. Attorney General Christine Gregoire and King County Executive Ron Sims continue their battle for the Democratic nomination and the right to challenge presumptive GOP nominee Dino Rossi in November. Come to the Spring Meeting in Spokane, May 18-19, to participate in AWB’s interviews of Gregoire, Rossi and Sims. Contact Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.

 

Ecology to Begin Chemical Action Plan on Flame Retardants
The Department of Ecology is about to begin a stakeholder advisory process to develop a chemical action plan for polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants, more commonly known as PBDE’s. “Ecology is on a very fast track to develop this chemical action plan because of the Governor’s Executive Order signed earlier this year requiring recommendations and possible state actions to be submitted to the Legislature by December,” said AWB’s Grant Nelson. Members interested in participating on the PBDE advisory committee should contact Grant at GrantN@awb.org or (360) 943-1600.

 

Competitive Contracting Rules Published – Big Win for the Private Sector!
The final rules that will govern competitive contracting have been published. The rules take effect July 1, 2005 and will remove the prohibition against state agencies contracting with private providers for services that are “traditionally and historically provided by state employees.” Thank you to the many AWB members who participated in the rule making process, your input was valuable and greatly appreciated. Contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

 

DOE is Changing Stormwater Permit Rules – Your Comments are Needed!
The Department of Ecology (DOE) is accepting comments until May 26 on proposed changes to stormwater and wastewater permit fees. (See www.ecy.wa.gov). Public workshops and hearings on the rule changes will be held around the state in May. DOE staff will also attend AWB's Water Quality Committee meeting on May 6 to discuss this rule and other changes to stormwater permits. Contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

 

EPA To Delay Oil Spill Rule Deadline Following Industry, GOP Pressure
The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will delay an August industry compliance deadline for its 2002 revisions to oil spill response and prevention rules that apply to a wide range of industry sectors, according to an agency source familiar with EPA's plans. EPA's pending announcement will affect a host of major industry sectors, including the energy, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors, because spill prevention rules impose requirements for facilities that "drill, produce, gather, store, use, process, refine, transfer, distribute, or consume oil and oil products," according to EPA.

 

Outsourcing Work Group Kicks Off - AWB Members Urged to Attend!
AWB’s Outsourcing Work Group will hold its first meeting, Wednesday, May 5, 10 a.m., at AWB headquarters, in Olympia. The meeting is open to all AWB members. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

 

AWB Taking Nominations for Board of Directors – Deadline May 18!
Do you want to be on AWB’s Board of Directors? AWB’s nominating committee will meet May 18 in Spokane to consider a slate of board members and officers for three-year terms. Contact AWB’s Dick Walter at (360) 943-1600 or DickW@awb.org.

 

Governmental Affairs Committee Retreat Next Week – Plan Now to Attend!
Don’t miss AWB’s annual Governmental Affairs Retreat May 10-12 at Campbell’s Resort on Lake Chelan. Local government officials and representatives from initiative campaigns will speak. The 2004 voting record will be finalized and discussions to determine candidate endorsements will be held. For reservations, call Campbell’s Resort at (800) 553-8225. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org for more information.

 

AWB’s Spring Board Meeting Coming Soon – Don’t Miss It!
AWB’s Spring Board Meeting will convene at the WestCoast Ridpath Hotel in Spokane May 18-19. Sandy Kress, senior advisor to President Bush on education, will be the keynote speaker. AWB’s Community Service Awards and a gubernatorial forum will also be held. Contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.

 

Congressional Voting Record Will Be Published in Washington Business Magazine
Look for AWB’s congressional voting record which will be published in the May-June issue of Washington Business Magazine. The magazine is currently at the printers. Look for it in your mailbox by mid-May.