Want to Contribute to a Candidate, But Don’t Know the Rules? Contact Kris Tefft at AWB
Many of you may want to make a contribution to a political candidate or ballot issue, but don’t know the rules. AWB General Counsel Kris Tefft has an article dealing with that issue in the upcoming issue of Washington Business Magazine. For an advance copy of the article, contact Kris Tefft (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org or AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or BonnieM@awb.org.

Judicial Scorecard Complete…Look for it in Next Issue of Washington Business Magazine
Want to know how Washington’s Supreme Court judges did on AWB’s first ever judicial scorecard? For a copy of the scorecard, contact Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or BonnieM@awb.org.

Check AWB’s Endorsements Before Voting
Go to www.awb.org and check out our partial list of candidate endorsements. A complete list will be published after the Policy Summit.

SPI Reports that WASL Scores Continue to Rise---Good News for Kids, Parents and Employers
Washington’s fourth, seventh and 10th grade students reached higher levels of achievement on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) than they ever have before. Terry Bergeson, state superintendent of public instruction, reported last week. Scores on the 2004 WASL in reading, mathematics, writing and science rose in every grade and gains were made in even struggling schools. For details, check: www.k12.wa.us/Communications/pressreleases2004/WASL2004release.aspx. 

Guess Who Sponsors a Successful Charter School? Clue: Watch U.S. Open Tennis Tourney
It is Andre Agassi. The Andre Agassi College Preparatory is a national model charter school and is located in the heart of Las Vegas' most at-risk neighborhood. “Agassi Prep was created specifically to improve skill levels and combat lowered academic expectations while creating a climate of hope among this community's most challenged children,” according to the school’s Web site. To learn more, go to http://www.agassiprep.org. All the more reason to keep the state’s new charter school law by voting for Referendum 55 in November.

Ecology on Fast Track for Completing Environmental Rules – Get Involved!
What do PBDEs, PBTs and e-waste all have in common? Rulemaking and recommendations to the Legislature are being developed on all three right now. AWB members are encouraged to get involved in the process so they won’t get left behind as important policy decisions are being made regarding these chemicals. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

2004 Voting Record Now Online – Visit www.awb.org!
The 2004 legislative voting record is online at www.awb.org/about/ga/voterecord2004/vrmain.asp. With the September 14 primary elections just around the corner, this is a great resource for learning about lawmakers’ records on business and the economy before you enter the voting booth.

Environmental Excellence Awards – Deadline for Nominations: September 10!
AWB’s Environmental Excellence Awards will be presented on Tuesday, October 19, at our annual Environmental Conference. The Environmental Excellence Awards honor businesses that go the extra mile in environmental protection. Nominations are due Friday, September 10. Nomination forms are available at www.awb.org. Contact AWB’s Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.

Policy Summit Coming Soon – Register Now!
AWB’s Policy Summit is almost here. From Wednesday-Friday, September 22-24, AWB will gather at the beautiful Semiahmoo Resort for this important event. Great golf, beautiful scenery, the only scheduled post-primary gubernatorial debate, and a finalization of AWB’s policy goals for 2005 are among the many reasons not to miss this event. Register at www.awb.org/events/policysummit/index.asp. Contact Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.

2004 Environmental Conference of Washington – Don’t Miss It!
AWB has partnered with the Northwest Environmental Business Council (NEBC) to bring you the most comprehensive environmental conference in Washington state. Managing environmental issues in today's regulatory environment is a constant challenge. The conference will offer 3 tracks so that you can tailor the conference to meet your specific needs: 1) Policy Roundtable and Land Use; 2) Advanced Management; and 3) The Basics - Environmental Management 101. Session topics include Water Quality, Air Quality, Permitting, Pollution Prevention, Industrial Lands, Hazardous Waste, Stormwater, Incentives and Lean Manufacturing. The 2004 Environmental Conference of Washington will be held October 19-20 at the Washington State Trade & Convention Center in Seattle. Register online at www.info-awb.org/mofcart/2004ecwashingtonorder.html. Contact Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.

General Election Voter Registration Deadline is Oct 2…Register at www.awb.org. 
The November election deadline to register for the primary election is Oct. 2. AWB makes voter registration easy. Go to www.awb.org and log on to Register to Vote!

Washington is Stuck With the Montana Primary - See this week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.