Workers’ Comp Reform Passes Senate - Now it’s Time for the House to Get With the Program!
AWB would like to give kudos to the Senate for passing SB 5378, sponsored by Sen. Jim Honeyford (R-Sunnyside), by a vote of 25-23. This important bill simplifies and adds certainty to the calculation of workers’ comp benefits. The bill is now in the House Commerce & Labor Committee where there has been resistance to this legislation in the past. Urge Rep. Steve Conway, chair of the committee, to schedule a hearing for SB 5378, so it can move out of committee and on to the House floor for a vote. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Balch Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Another Step Toward Comprehensive Tort Reform - Thank Senators for Passing SB 5728!
SB 5728, which will provide for omnibus civil liability reform, passed the Senate last week with a vote of 28-21. AWB urges members to call and thank senators who voted “Yes” on the measure. For more information on how to get involved in our grassroots effort, contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org today! To learn more about the details of the tort reform proposal before the legislature, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Senate Approves Minimum Wage Reform – Urge House to Pass SB 5697!
Sen. Mike Hewitt's (R-Walla Walla) minimum wage bill, SB 5697, passed the Senate, 27-22. The bill is designed to help create jobs in Washington and provide some relief to businesses. The bill would only suspend the state's minimum wage index when Washington's unemployment rate is higher than the national average. Now it must be approved by the House. To learn more, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Senate Passes SB 6491 – Bill Would Open New Venues for Citizens to Challenge Agency Rules!
The state Senate passed SB 6491, sponsored by Sen. Pam Roach (R-Auburn), 48-1, to open up the state's superior courts in four counties to citizens and businesses wishing to challenge agency rules. In the past, individuals challenging administrative rules could only do so in Thurston County. The measure will prevent citizens and their lawyers from having to travel across the state during litigation. Gov. Gary Locke has indicated that he will sign SB 6491 once it passes the House. Find out more by contacting AWB’s Amber Balch Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Phil Talmadge Turns Up the Heat in Gubernatorial Campaign – View Speech Online!
Democrat gubernatorial candidate Talmadge spoke to AWB members Thursday morning at a candidate breakfast at AWB headquarters. To see Talmadge’s full speech, go to www.awb.org. Beginning this Thursday, candidates for state attorney general will have their chance at the mic during AWB’s ongoing candidate coverage breakfasts starting with Rob McKenna, Feb. 19, 7 a.m. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

Competitive Contracting to Begin July 1, 2005 – Voice Your Comments Today!
The competitive contracting section of the Personnel System Reform Act of 2002, allowing the private sector to bid on jobs and services currently being provided by state agencies, will become effective July 1, 2005. The Office of General Administration is responsible for adopting rules that ensure bids are submitted and evaluated in a fair and objective manner. It must also write rules for determining if a competitive market for the service exists. For more information, go to: www.ga.wa.gov/competitivecontracting. For questions or comments, contact AWB’s Cody Benson at (360) 943-1600 or CodyB@awb.org.

Finkbeiner & DeBolt Speak at Lobby Lunch – Both Agree Economy is Slowly Improving!
Sen. Bill Finkbeiner and Rep. Richard DeBolt were on hand for questions at last week’s Lobby Lunch. The Senate and House Republican Campaign Committees will speak at the next Lobby Lunch, Feb. 19. AWB Lobby Lunches occur every Thursday during the legislative session. Contact Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

2004 Legislative Reception a Great Success - Thanks to Everyone!
AWB’s 2004 Legislative Reception, on Feb. 10, was a real success. The event was well attended by both members and legislators. The reception was a great opportunity for AWB to communicate its agenda with lawmakers. Thanks for helping to make it happen!

Extending High Tech Incentives Sends the Right Message - See this week’s President’s Perspective at http://www.awb.org/.