State Supreme Court Reverses Prison Labor Decision - Private Business Wins!
Washington’s Supreme Court found that our state’s constitution bans private companies from using prison labor for private gain. AWB, the National Federation of Independent Business and the Washington State Labor Council argued against this unfair competition. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Class Action Lawsuit Reform Back for Senate Action - Contact Senators Murray and Cantwell
Last October, federal class action lawsuit reform legislation failed when Washington Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell joined fellow Democrats to oppose ending a filibuster. Several senators have reached a compromise, supported by employers. It looks like it will come before the Senate for a vote this month. Please 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 AWB’s Don Brunell at DonB@awb.org with your e-mails and the Senators’ responses.

L&I Rewriting Inorganic Arsenic Rules - You Can Have a Say!
The Department of Labor and Industries is rewriting rules that govern the use of inorganic arsenic. The department has requested stakeholder participation and would like volunteers to review the proposed language. AWB members are encouraged to participate. Contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

Ecology Gearing Up For Action on Toxics - Opportunity to Learn More!
The Department of Ecology is about to begin rulemaking on PBT's and will be bringing stakeholders together in the next several weeks to develop a chemical action plan of PBDE flame retardants. The department is also poised to start an advisory committee on electronic waste. AWB's PBT Workgroup will discuss these and other important issues on May 25th. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Environmental Affairs Council - Please Attend!
AWB’s Environmental Affairs Council will be meeting Thursday May 27 at 9:30 a.m. AWB members are welcome to attend. Contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

Revised Industrial Stormwater Permit and Fees Rule – Comments Due!
Ecology has proposed modifications to the Industrial Stormwater General Permit, incorporating SB 6415 which AWB pushed through the 2004 session. AWB's Water Quality Committee meets May 21st to discuss and prepare comments on the proposed changes to the permit. Ecology has also revised its permit fees for industrial and construction permits. Comments on the fee rule are due May 26. Contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Climate Change Initiative - How Will it Affect Your Business?
Restrictions at marine ports and truck stops, increased emphasis on renewable energy, appliance efficiencies, fleet vehicles and measurement protocols are coming your way if the West Coast governors’ Climate Change Initiative is implemented. AWB is holding a meeting on May 24, 2:30 p.m (Rescheduled from 1:30 p.m.), to discuss these and other climate change issues. Contact Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

Spring Board Meeting Almost Here - You Can Still Register!
Senior educational adviser to President Bush, Sandy Kress will be the dinner speaker at AWB’s Spring Board Meeting, May 18-19 in Spokane. Gubernatorial candidates Christine Gregoire, Ron Sims and Dino Rossi will also be on hand to participate in AWB interviews. Register online at www.awb.org/events/MayBoard.asp.

AWB Taking Nominations for Board of Directors - Deadline May 18!
Want to be on AWB’s Board of Directors? AWB’s nominating committee will meet May 18 in Spokane to consider board members and officers for three-year terms. Contact AWB’s Dick Walter at (360) 943-1600 or DickW@awb.org.

WashACE Presentation - Coming May 18!
Learn how taxes and fees impact the economy, jobs and economic growth at Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy’s (WashACE) presenation, on May 18 in Spokane at 4 p.m. at the Ridpath Hotel. Contact AWB’s Kandice Jackson at (360) 943-1600 or KandiceJ@awb.org.

Ergo Workshop at Spring Board Meeting - Don’t Miss It!
Expert ergonomic consulting services will be available at the Spring Board Meeting, Tuesday, May 18 in Spokane. Cost is $350/person. Space is very limited. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.