Former President Bush Education Adviser Says Stick to Education Standards
Sandy Kress, President Bush’s former education adviser told AWB’s annual spring meeting that Washington should stay on course with education reforms and WASL testing. For more on Kress, see July’s Washington Business Magazine or tune into TVW: http://198.239.32.162/asxgen/200405/2004050023A.wma.
2004 Bruce Briggs Award Winner Chosen - Congratulations, Dean Strawn!
Dean Strawn, owner of Dependable Janitor Service, Kennewick, is the 2004 Bruce Briggs Community Service Award winner. Dean is a longtime Tri-Cities resident. He serves on AWB’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
AWB Board Gives Green Light to Statewide Candidate Endorsements
At its spring meeting, AWB’s Board voted to endorse candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, public lands and insurance commissioner. Endorsements will be made Sept. 24 at the Policy Summit.
AWB Endorses McKenna and Sidran in AG Primary—Endorsements Only for Primary
The Board also endorsed King County Councilman Rob McKenna (R) and Seattle attorney Mark Sidran (D) for attorney general. This was a primary election endorsement only. AWB’s Board will consider the general election endorsement at the Sept. 24 Board meeting.
Gubernatorial Interviews on TVW
Democrats Christine Gregoire and Ron Sims and Republican Dino Rossi were interviewed by AWB Board members at the annual spring meeting in Spokane. You can see those interviews on TVW: http://198.239.32.162/asxgen/200405/2004050023B.wma
Community Service Awards Presented at Spring Board Meeting – 19 Companies Honored!
Nineteen companies have received AWB Community Service Awards. “These companies have all invested substantial time, money and other resources to improve their corner of the state,” AWB President Don Brunell said. See www.awb.org/cgi-bin/absolutenm/templates/?a=626&z=2.
OSHA Fairness Bills Pass in House – Thank You, Reps. Hastings, Nethercutt & Dunn!
Four bills to protect small businesses from overzealous regulators while creating a worker safety regime in which the scales of justice are more evenly balanced were passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Jennifer Dunn (R-Bellevue), Doc Hastings (R-Pasco) and George Nethercutt (R-Spokane) supported these bills. The rest of Washington’s congressional delegation voted against these bills. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.
Board Votes to Create Legal Affairs Fund!
AWB’s Board of Directors has voted to create the AWB Legal Affairs Fund, which will empower AWB to aide members in challenges to overbearing regulations and burdens. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org .
AHP Legislation Barely Passes U.S. House - AWB Still Opposes!
H.R. 4281, the Association Health Plans bill, cleared the House 224-203 and is headed for the Senate. AWB opposes the bill. Voting against this bill were Democrats Brian Baird, Jay Inslee, Norm Dicks, Rick Larsen, Jim McDermott and Adam Smith. Opposing AWB were Republicans Doc Hastings and George Nethercutt. Rep. Jennifer Dunn did not vote. Contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.
It’s Time for Tort Reform – Urge Murray and Cantwell to Get on Board!
Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell’s support is needed if a tort reform bill, supported by employers, is to come to a Senate vote. Contact Murray via e-mail at senator_murray@murray.senate.gov or fax (202) 224-0238 and Cantwell via 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.
Action on Toxics Coming Soon – Learn More at PBT Work Group, May 25 – Contact Grant Nelson at GrantN@awb.org
Workers’ Compensation Reform Study – Ideas for Fixing a Broken System!
The Washington Policy Center has released a comprehensive study of our state’s workers’ comp system, which details changes necessary to lower cost and improve customer service for Washington businesses. The study can be viewed at www.washingtonpolicy.org. Contact AWB’s Amber Balch Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.
Environmental Affairs Council Meeting, May 27, 9 a.m. – Contact Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org
Congressional Voting Record Changes in Magazine – Please Keep Insert!
This week you will receive the May-June issue of Washington Business Magazine. Please be sure to keep the Congressional Voting Record insert in the magazine. The printed version is incorrect.
Remember: AWB Will Be Closed Memorial Day – Next Fast Facts Will Be on June 1
Monument to Those Who Serve in Uniform Coming to AWB – Thanks, Quiring Monuments, Inc!
Quiring Monuments, Inc. is donating to AWB a monument in honor of our members and their family members who serve in uniform. It will be in front of our building by the flag poles.
Business Week Honors AWB
The Foundation for Free Enterprise Education (Business Week) has honored AWB for 30 years of support. Business Week started at AWB and spun-off to a separate 501(c)(3). “It is one of the best things we do at AWB,” Don Brunell said. To support Business Week go to www.awb.org and click on Business Week.
Murray and Cantwell Can Help Restore Fairness in Our Legal System - See this week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.
