Same Result Second Time Around---Class Action Reform Bill Caught Deadly Crossfire!
S. 2062, which would have restored fairness to class action lawsuits, died in the U.S. Senate. As it did last October, the bill failed because senators, including Washington’s Patty Murray, a staunch foe of tort reform, and Maria Cantwell, who has spoken in favor of class action reform, would not vote for cloture and end a filibuster threat. AWB is extremely disappointed in the outcome of this important piece of legislation. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.
E-mail Cantwell and Murray—Tell Them You Want Them to Bring S.2062 For A Vote This Year!
Keep the pressure on! 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. Tell them to support class action lawsuit reform before Congress adjourns this year. Unlike our Mariners, this one can’t wait until next year! Please copy Don Brunell at DonB@awb.org with your e-mails and the senators’ responses.
AWB Announces Incumbent Endorsements for Fall Election – Full Details on Web!
AWB is pleased to announce its incumbent endorsements for the November 2 election. “These senators and representatives have a proven track record of working towards our goal of making this state a better place for business,” said Gary Chandler, AWB’s Vice President of Governmental Affairs. “We gladly endorse these incumbents and hope they will be back in Olympia next session.” Visit www.awb.org/cgi-bin/absolutenm/templates/?a=650&z=2. Contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.
It is Important to Not Let Voter Registration Slide---Get Your Folks Registered to Vote, Today!
Attending the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Leadership Conference, AWB President Don Brunell said speakers agree this will be the most expensive and closest election by far in our nation’s history. With voter registration and turnout steadily declining in our nation (See Brunell column in July issue of Washington Business Magazine), elections from President to local legislators will be decided by fewer voters. Employers must make sure their associates, suppliers, family, friends and customers know what the issues are, where the various candidates stand on issues important to creating jobs, support pro-jobs and competitiveness candidates, and vote on election day. Go to www.awb.org to register to vote and for important information about candidates and issues.
Old Political Adage Which Has Stood the Test of Time—Get Right People Elected
It is easier to elect someone who understands and relates to your point of view than to change a politician’s mind once in office.
Brunell Meets with White House Chair of Council on Environmental Quality
Last Friday, AWB President Don Brunell and a small group of leaders concerned about environmental issues and salmon recovery met with James Connaughton, President Bush’s Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality in Seattle. The meeting was arranged by William Ruckelshaus, the first EPA director. Connaughton came to Seattle to review salmon recovery progress and to talk about the environment in general. “Our environment is steadily improving despite population growth,” Connaughton said.
White House CEQ Chief Says President Looking for Win-Win to Improve Environment
Connaughton said the Bush administration is looking for “Win-Wins” to improve the environment and create jobs and products. The White House CEQ chair said the example of TransAlta sending its pollution control wastes to GP-Gypsum in Tacoma to make Green Wallboard for our homes and offices is an example of a “Win-Win”. Read about the TransAlta-GP Gypsum story in the latest issue of Washington Business Magazine which should be arriving in your mailbox in the next week.
Tax and Fiscal Policy – Meetings Scheduled to Develop Agenda to be Presented at Summit!
Tax and fiscal policy legislative objectives will be prepared prior to AWB’s Policy Summit. A first meeting will be held 9:30 a.m., July 28 at AWB. 2005 legislative objectives and ideas for new legislation will be presented. Anticipated legislation from other proponents will be reviewed. A second meeting, featuring adoption of legislative objectives, will be held 9:30 a.m., Aug. 18 at Deloitte & Touche in Seattle. Plan to attend and vote on these important positions. Contact AWB’s Tom McBride at TomM@awb.org.
Electronic Waste Stakeholder Update – Agreement Dynamics Selected as Facilitator!
Agreement Dynamics was selected to facilitate the electronic waste stakeholder process mandated by the passage of HB 2488. AWB participated in the selection, along with the environmental community and the Dept. of Ecology. A number of members felt Agreement Dynamics was the best firm to do the job. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.
Washington Business Magazine - On Newsstands This Week!
Keep an eye out for Washington Business Magazine as it makes its newsstand debut later this week. AWB will now have a presence in nearly 300 outlets across Washington. It will include the Legislative Review insert. Contact AWB’s Alexis Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@awb.org.
Don’t Let AWB’s Voting Record Sit on the Self Gathering Dust—Use It!
Our Voting Record and Legislative Wrap-up are two critical tools you need to know where your legislators stand. Use them as you talk to those folks asking for your money and your support.
Save $$$! Early Bird Registrations for the 2004 Policy Summit at Semiahmoo!
Go to www.awb.org and register for this year’s Policy Summit, taking place Sept. 23-25. Take advantage of the early bird special. Contact AWB’s Amy Johnson at AmyJ@awb.org or (360) 943-1600.
U.S. Senate Needs Mike Ditka - See this week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.
