Governor Locke Wins in Court – “Montana-Style” Primary to be Held in Fall!
Because of the Washington Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Washington State Grange v. Locke, the state will be allowed to go ahead with a “Montana-style” primary election, where the voters’ choices are restricted to one partisan slate. The court case arose because the Grange challenged Governor Locke’s partial veto of ESB 6453, which created a “Louisiana-style” qualifying primary system (where the top two vote getters would face each other in the general election regardless of party affiliation) with a back-up “Montana-style” nominating primary if a court in the future invalidated the top two system. Gov. Locke, however, vetoed the top two primary and left in place the Montana system. The Grange argued this veto left a bill in place that didn’t match the bill’s title, which would make it unconstitutional. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.
Chemical Action Plan Underway for Flame Retardants – Environmentalists Push for Costly Ban!
The Dept. of Ecology's PBDE Advisory Committee met last week to begin developing a chemical action plan for flame retardants which contain PBDEs (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers). Opponents are pushing to ban the use of these chemicals and are insisting on alternatives which are more costly and may not be as effective. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.
AWB Goes Before Supreme Court in Employment Law Case – Supports Arbitration!
Last Tuesday, AWB appeared before the Washington Supreme Court in the case of Zuver v. Airtouch Communications. The case challenges the lawfulness of employers and employees entering into employment-related arbitration agreements rather than going to court. The plaintiff, Zuver, is urging the court to hold that employment-related arbitration agreements are unenforceable, while AWB strongly supports allowing and encouraging alternative dispute resolution like arbitration. A decision is expected in early 2005. Contact Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.
Voting Record in Upcoming Issue of Washington Business Magazine
Look for the 2004 legislative voting record in the upcoming issue of Washington Business Magazine. The magazine will be mailed shortly after July 4. If you want to advertise in the magazine, contact AWB’s Alexis Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@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.
Tax & Fiscal Expert Tom McBride Will Start June 21 – Welcome to AWB!
AWB’s newest Governmental Affairs team member Tom McBride will start June 21. Tom will focus on tax and fiscal issues, unemployment insurance and transportation. He 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.
Reminder – Bills Passed During 2004 Session Became Effective June 10 Unless Otherwise Stated!
Murray and Cantwell Need to Get Behind Tort Reform – Urge Them Support S. 2062!
AWB is urging Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell to back S. 2062, a tort reform bill supported by employers, so it can come to a Senate vote. For more information on this important legislation see www.awb.org/cgi-bin/absolutenm/templates/?a=638&z=2. 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 AWB’s Don Brunell at DonB@awb.org with your e-mails and the senators’ responses.
Canadian Politicians Have Interesting Dilemma in Providing Health Care - See this week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.
