Surprise of the Week…AWB, Local Chambers Not Involved in Anti-Senn Ads Funding
To our surprise, the Public Disclosure Commission revealed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce spent $1.5 million on anti-Deborah Senn ads. That revelation came as news to us—and the rest of the chambers around the state. Bottom line: AWB had no involvement in these ads.

Have a Question for a Candidate at Policy Summit—Please E-mail with Your Questions
The Policy Summit starts in nine days. If you wish to submit a question for a candidate for governor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, secretary of state, commissioner of public lands, and insurance commissioner, please e-mail your questions to Don Brunell at DonB@awb.org.

L&I Announces 3.7 Percent Workers’ Comp Rate Increase – Reform Still Needed!
Last week L&I director Paul Trause announced a planned workers’ comp rate increase of 3.7 percent in 2005. This proposal will be the subject of hearings across the state. The latest increase comes on the heels of an average 9.8 percent increase in 2004 and a 29 percent average rate hike in 2003. “The decision to increase rates on an average of 3.7 percent in 2005 is much better news than in the previous two years,” AWB President Don Brunell said. “But it doesn’t lessen the need to reform the system.” Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Industrial Stormwater Permit Almost Final – Find Out What’s New!
The Department of Ecology is about to finalize the Industrial Stormwater General Permit. Members interested in how the permit has been modified are encouraged to attend AWB’s Water Quality Committee meeting September 17. Public hearings are scheduled around the state this month and comments on the draft permit are due September 27. For more information contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Workers’ Comp Fact of the Week – Washington’s Premium Rates Higher Than National Average!
Washington state collects workers’ comp premiums based on hours worked. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which produces the only report that compares rates on the number of hours worked. BLS has found that Washington and the other western states have been consistently higher in their national average for premium rates. This strongly questions the assumption that Washington is a low cost state for workers’ comp. Contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

AWB’s Endorsements – Don’t Vote Without Checking This Out!
Educate yourself before casting your vote. AWB’s endorsements are a useful tool for members who want to know which candidates are supportive of a more business-friendly and competitive Washington state. For our partial list of legislative endorsements, go to www.awb.org/cgi-bin/absolutenm/templates/default.aspx?a=650&z. A complete list will be published after the Policy Summit. For our State Supreme Court endorsements, see www.awb.org/cgi-bin/absolutenm/templates/default.aspx?a=697&z.

2004 Voting Record – Learn How Your Legislators Voted!
The 2004 legislative voting record is online at www.awb.org/about/ga/voterecord2004/vrmain.asp. Don’t go to the polls tomorrow without checking out your lawmakers’ records on business and the economy.

State House and Senate Committees Meeting Now - Legislature’s 2005 Agenda Taking Shape!
Although the 2005 legislative session does not begin until January, legislative committees of both the Senate and the House are now meeting in Olympia to develop their agendas for the coming session. To view the schedule, visit www.leg.wa.gov/committees/storage/wcss/original/monthly_sched_sep-oct-2004.htm.

Policy Summit Around the Corner - Don’t Delay Your Registration!
AWB’s Policy Summit will be held next week from Wednesday-Friday, September 22-24 at the Semiahmoo Resort. Washington’s only scheduled post-primary gubernatorial debate and a finalization of AWB’s policy goals for 2005 will both take place at this great event. Register now at www.awb.org/events/policysummit/index.asp. Contact AWB’s Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.

2004 Environmental Conference of Washington – Register Now!
AWB along with the Northwest Environmental Business Council (NEBC) is bringing our members the state’s most comprehensive environmental conference. The conference will be held October 19-20 at Seattle’s Washington State Trade & Convention Center. 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: October 2 - Register at www.awb.org. 
The November election deadline to register for the primary election is October 2. AWB makes voter registration easy. Go to www.awb.org and log on to Register to Vote!

Healthy Worksite Summit – Register Now!
In cooperation with Evergreen Everwell, AWB is a co-sponsor of the annual Healthy Worksite Summit scheduled for November 4 at the SeaTac Hilton. Learn how to build a worksite wellness program, and how policy and environmental changes can impact your employees' health and productivity. Topics include building a culture that promotes wellness, making the business case for health promotion, and connecting wellness policies to your organizational mission. To register online, go to www.awcnet.org/wellness.