Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn Retiring - Good News for Her, Bad News for Us!
Longtime Washington Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn from Bellevue announced she will not seek another term in the House of Representatives. Dunn, a Republican, has been a solid support for job creation and economic development in the private sector. “She is not only an outstanding public servant who cares deeply about our state and country, but a fine person. We wish her the very best,” said AWB President Don Brunell who has known Dunn for more than 25 years.

Gov. Hopeful Christine Gregoire Clarifies “Pro-Labor” Remarks to AWB Members – View Speech Online!
Gubernatorial candidate Christine Gregoire spoke to AWB members Thursday morning during a Candidate Breakfast at AWB Headquarters. During her speech, Gregoire called remarks she made to labor unions as a misunderstanding. “What I told them was what I’d tell you - when it comes to issues facing business or issues facing labor, you will have a seat at the table. I will listen and you will be heard,” Gregoire said. Former senator Dino Rossi will speak with members about his campaign Feb. 5 at 7 a.m. at AWB in Olympia. Catch an early glimpse into his campaign plans. For more information, contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org. To watch Gregoire’s full speech, go to www.awb.org.

Senate Commerce and Trade Committee Passes SB 5378 to Mend Our Broken Workers’ Comp System
SB 5378 passed out of the Senate Commerce and Trade Committee last Thursday morning. 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. To learn more, contact AWB’s Amber Balch Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org. (*The correct bill number is SB 5378, not SB 6378.)

Brunell, Gardner Urge Senators Murray and Cantwell to Support Class Action Reform
AWB President Don Brunell and former Democratic Gov. Booth Gardner sent letters to Washington’s U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, both Democrats, urging them to embrace the Schumer-Dodd-Landrieu compromise on class action reform. Gardner and Brunell chair a Washington group pushing legislation to curb class action lawsuit abuse. The class action lawsuit reform bill may be considered as early as March. Contact Cantwell (maria_cantwell@cantwell.senate.gov.) and Murray (senator_murray@murray.senate.gov). For additional information, contact AWB’s Don Brunell (DonB@awb.org) or Kris Tefft (KrisT@awb.org) at (360) 943-1600.

Businesses Score Big Win With Annexation Decision - Washington Supreme Court Reverses Decision
Last week, the Washington Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of letting cities use the petition method of annexation to expand their borders. The decision is great news not only to the cities that have relied on the longstanding method, but to businesses and property owners for whom the petition method allows access to municipal utilities and participation in municipal governance as well. The ruling was a reversal of a decision made only two years ago by the Supreme Court, which then said the petition method violated the Privileges & Immunities Clause of the Washington Constitution. The court’s decision arises out of disputed annexations in Yakima and Moses Lake. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Contact your Representatives and ask them to VOTE NO on HB 2396!
HB 2396 establishes specific and unrealistic deadlines to set instream flows aimed at protecting fish life without consideration of economic or future domestic needs. The bill allows for third-party lawsuit enforcement of these unrealistic flows, no protection for existing water right holders, and a prohibition of new water rights until flows are set. The bill is scheduled to be voted on Tuesday February 3, 2004. Call your Representatives and ask them to vote no on this job-killing proposal. For more information contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

Say No to “Pay or Play” – Call on House Healthcare Committee to Shoot Down HB 2785!
California recently implemented a healthcare “pay or play” system, which is being challenged by referendum now, and possible court later. “Pay or play” means all employers with 50 or more employees, even if he or she already offers healthcare, would be required to pay a fee to the state to offset the cost of healthcare for employers that don’t offer medical benefits. Washington’s House Healthcare Committee heard testimonies Jan. 29 on HB 2785. The measure would establish a similar “pay or play” program here. Employers here cannot afford to support such a system here. AWB is urging members to call the House Healthcare Committee to discourage the passing of HB 2785. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Balch Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Cap Washington’s Skyrocketing Minimum Wage – Call Your Legislator Today!
How much further must Washington businesses fall before lawmakers stop the state’s outrageous minimum wage hikes? At $7.16 an hour, Washington’s minimum wage is $2.01 above the federal rate and $1.68 above the average state rate. Take action! Tell your legislators to support SB 5697, which would tie any indexing of the minimum wage to the state’s unemployment rate. For bill information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@AWB.org. For information on how your company or association can get involved, contact AWB’s Cody Benson at the same number or CodyB@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.

Army Forms Community Action Team to Aid Area Families, Communities with Deployment
The largest mobilization since World War II of 3,200 81st Brigade Army National Guard soldiers has prompted Ft. Lewis Officials to form a Deployment Community Action Team (DCAT). According to Public Affairs Director Col. Rick Patterson, the DCAT is designed to provide up-to-the-minute information about deployed Washington National Guard units and personnel. The DCAT is scheduled to hold a series of public information sessions. To find out when or for more information, contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

Senate’s Bipartisanship Praised - Economic Development Legislation Passes!
Gov. Gary Locke expressed his praise of the state Senate for making progress on proposed economic development legislation. According to the governor’s office, on a bipartisan basis, the Senate approved three bills that would extend tax incentives for high-tech research and development, spur rural economic development, and help local governments develop tools to attract new businesses or help existing businesses grow. “I praise the quick action in the Senate,” Locke said. “I am also encouraged by the passage of our legislation to help local governments develop more economic development tools.”

OFM’s Brown Speaks at Lobby Lunch Thursday
Marty Brown from the Office of Financial Management spoke to members at last week’s Lobby Lunch. He addressed major problems in Washington state’s 2005-06 biennium budget that could possibly total $1 billion. Don’t miss AWB’s Lobby Lunches every Thursday during the legislative session in the large conference room. The speaker at this week’s luncheon will be Senator Lisa Brown and Speaker Frank Chopp. To make Lobby Lunch reservations, contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

Time Running Out for Washington Business Magazine Advertisements – Act Now!
The advertising deadline for the March/April issue is Feb. 5. Upcoming issues will focus on 100 years of AWB, tourism policy, economic development, legislative report card, and the 2004 elections, along with more inside-track information from your AWB communications team. For advertising information and the latest 2004 editorial calendar, contact Deborah Haydon (360) 297-4228 or debAQP@awb.net. (*The correct deadline is Feb. 5, not Jan. 5.)

AWB’s Legislative Reception Next Week – Register, Sign Up to Sponsor Now!
AWB’s Legislative Reception is coming to Olympia’s Red Lion Hotel on February 10! Registrations are needed as soon as possible. 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.