AWB Files Brief to State Supreme Court in Support of I-601
AWB’s Legal Affairs Committee unanimously approved a motion to file an amicus curiae brief to the state Supreme Court in support of the Farm Bureau’s effort to invalidate the emergency clause attached to SB 6078, the bill that amended I-601’s supermajority requirement and fiscal growth factor. The brief will contend that the Legislature is using emergency clauses merely to shield politically sensitive legislation from citizen review rather than address true emergencies. If the state is not in a true emergency, then the Legislature should follow I-601 in order to raise new revenue. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.
California Emission Standards Rulemaking Commences – First Advisory Meeting Tomorrow
The Dept. of Ecology will hold its first advisory committee tomorrow to promulgate rules adopting California's vehicle emission standards, consistent with HB 1397 passed by the Legislature last session. The rule will require that new vehicles registered, leased, rented, or sold for use in the state after 2009 meet the more stringent and costly California standards. Automobile manufacturers estimate that implementing the California standards could add $3,000 or more to the cost of a new car for Washington state citizens and businesses. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson on (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.
DOR Rulemaking Season in Full Gear
The Dept. of Revenue will hold a public meeting on its draft rules on WAC 458-20-193, regarding inbound and outbound sales of tangible personal property from or to persons in other states or foreign countries. The hearing will be held Wednesday, June 22, 1:30 p.m. A copy of the draft rule is available at: http://dor.wa.gov/Docs/Rules/draft/cr101_20_193.pdf. DOR will also hold a public meeting Monday, July 11, 9:30 a.m. on revisions it is considering for WAC 458-20-229, regarding refunds. The draft rule is available at: http://dor.wa.gov/Docs/Rules/draft/CR101_20_229.PDF. Both meetings will be held at the Capitol Plaza Building, 1025 E Union Ave, Olympia. Contact AWB’s Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.
AWB Pushing U.S. Senate to Pass Energy Bill—Contact Sen. Murray and Cantwell to Ask Their Support
This week, the U.S. Senate will consider HR 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Go to www.awb.org and urge Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell to support the bill. It passed the House, 249-183, with Republicans Doc Hastings, Cathy McMorris and Dave Reichert voting for it and Democrats Jim McDermott, Jay Inslee, Rick Larsen, Norm Dicks, Brian Baird and Adam Smith opposing.
Draft Portable Ladder Rule Filed May 24 – Public Hearing on August 1
A public hearing on the portable ladder rule will be held on Aug. 1 at L&I in Tumwater. AWB will be submitting comments before the public hearing. Copies of the draft rule are available. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.
2005 Health Care Conference – Register Now While There is Still Space
Learn about health care solutions at the 2005 Health Care Conference, 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., June 16, Red Lion Hotel, 1415 5th Ave, Seattle. Cost: $65 per person. To register, call (888) WPC-9272 or e-mail WPC@washingtonpolicy.org.
Murray, Dicks, Reichert and Hastings Join AWB in Supporting Trade Agreement…Ask Rest to Join
Congress will vote soon on the U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA), the largest free trade agreement in over a decade. American workers already export $15.7 billion in U.S. products to Central America and the Dominican Republic - more than we sell to India, Indonesia, and Russia combined. Two-way trade surpassed $33 billion in 2004. A U.S. Chamber study of DR-CAFTA's projects it will create over 25,000 new jobs in its first year - and over 130,000 new jobs in a decade. AWB is working with the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber to get Washington’s congressional delegation to support it. So far Congressmen Norm Dicks (D), Doc Hastings (R) and Dave Reichert (R) and Sen. Patty Murray (D) are supporting. Democrats Jim McDermott, Adam Smith, Brian Baird and Rick Larsen are opposed. Sen. Maria Cantwell and Representatives Jay Inslee and Cathy McMorris are uncommitted. Go to www.awb.org, contact them today and ask them to support DR-CAFTA.
GAC Retreat Coming June 28-29 – Mark Your Calendars!
The Governmental Affairs Council retreat will be held June 28–29 at the Alderbrook Resort & Spa. Register now by calling (800) 622-9370 or visiting https://awb.us.com/product.asp?ID=9. Contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.
AWB’s HealthChoice – A Great Health Care Alternative!
Looking for affordable, quality health insurance for you and your employees? If so, AWB HealthChoice could be the right choice. Plans offered have deductibles ranging from $250 to $1000, and three Health Savings Account (HSA) options are also available. Companies with a minimum of two employees qualify for coverage. Contact Helen Siggins at (866) 448-9577.
Unsustainable Budget Report Released….Go to www.researchcouncil.orgto Download
Through our WashACE partnership with the Washington Roundtable and Washington Research Council, we are attempting to provide that research to improve our state’s business climate. WRC just released its report: “Unsustainable Budget Temporarily Postpones Hard Choices.” Log on to http://www.researchcouncil.org and download the report.
Judge Did It Again….Order Forces Snake and Columbia River Dams to Spill Water…Costs $67 Million
For the second year in a row, U.S. Judge James Redden ordered the flood gates opened on the Snake and lower Columbia River dams in July and August - the lull in salmon migration. The plan was to close the gates, generate power and sell it for $67 million. Seattle City Light says it will add $1 a month to power bills. Federal officials are asking the 9th U.S. Circuit Court to overturn the ruling.
As Goes GM, So Goes the Nation - See this week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.
