Ecology Proposes Dangerous Waste Rules - Your Comments Needed!
AWB members have until Sept. 10 to comment on proposed amendments to Chapter 173-303 WAC, Washington's Dangerous Waste Regulations. While many proposed changes incorporate new federal rules, significant changes to financial responsibility requirements of recycling and used-oil facilities are being proposed. Contact AWB's Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Democrats Push For Charter Schools at Convention in Boston - What’s Wrong with WEA?
As Democrats convene in Boston this week to adopt a 2004 election platform and nominate their candidate for President, they will consider a platform with following language: “Instead of pushing private school vouchers that funnel scarce dollars away from the public schools, we will support public school choice, including charter schools and magnet schools that meet the same high standards as other schools.” In contrast, Washington’s teacher union, the Washington Education Association (WEA), wants voters to repeal the charter schools law backed by the Legislature, Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson and Gov. Gary Locke. Go to www.ndol.org/documents/2004platform.pdf to see the entire platform.

NOTE: More AWB Endorsements to Come - Only Partial List Released!
AWB released a partial list of legislative candidates it AUTOMATICALLY endorsed for re-election. These are candidates with a better than 80 percent voting record. More legislative endorsements are coming. At the Policy Summit, AWB will hear from the candidates for Attorney General, Public Lands Commissioner and Superintendent of Public Instruction. The Board will consider endorsements for some statewide offices at that time. Contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

Gubernatorial Debate Scheduled for Policy Summit on Sept. 23 - Robert Mak to Moderate!
The first gubernatorial debate after the primary election is scheduled for Sept. 23 at the Inn at Semiahmoo. Robert Mak, host of “Up Front” on KING TV, will moderate. On Sept. 24, AWB’s Board will make its endorsement for governor. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

Two Meetings on Aug. 3 – Workers’ Comp and Workplace Safety on Agenda!
On Aug. 3, AWB’s Workers’ Compensation Committee will meet in Seattle, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Participants will make recommendations on AWB's legislative agenda for 2005, take a position on the workers’ comp initiative, and make recommendations to the Governmental Affairs Council. The same day, 1:30-3:30 p.m., AWB’s Workplace Safety Committee will meet to make recommendations on AWB's legislative agenda for 2005 and review WISHA’s ergonomics program. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

Tax and Fiscal Policy – Help Prepare AWB’s Legislative Agenda!
Here’s your opportunity to get involved in preparing AWB’s tax and fiscal policy legislative objectives before the Policy Summit. The first meeting will be held 9:30 a.m., Wed., July 28, at AWB. Next year’s legislative objectives and ideas for new legislation will be presented. Anticipated legislation from other proponents will be reviewed. Legislative objectives will be adopted 9:30 a.m., Wed., Aug. 18 at Deloitte & Touche in Seattle. Contact AWB’s Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.

AWB Meeting With DOR – R&D Tax Incentive Fix Legislation to be Discussed!
AWB has scheduled a meeting with Julie Sexton of the Dept. of Revenue (DOR) on Aug. 3 at 9:30 a.m. at AWB’s offices in Olympia to provide comments on DOR’s proposed R&D tax incentive fix legislation. Contact Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.

NEWS FLASH - Washington Business Magazine at Newsstands Starting This Week!
If you stop by Safeway and Fred Meyer don’t be surprised when you see Washington Business Magazine on the magazine rack. Over-the-counter sales of our magazine started this week.

AWB Member Poll/Readership Survey Coming in August - Please Complete and Return!
In August, we will be conducting our annual membership poll designed to help us identify issues and ways we can help you better. We also will conduct our annual Washington Business Magazine readership survey. When you receive the survey, please help us by completing it and returning it as quickly as possible. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

Look for AWB Legend in July/August Washington Business - First 50 Win an AWB Pen!
Go to July/August issue of Washington Business Magazine and e-mail Don Brunell (DonB@awb.org) with the name of the AWB legend featured, how many years he was AWB president, and where he lives now. The first 50 to respond correctly will be sent an AWB pen.