Klickitat Sheep Rancher Wins One in Minimum Wage Case in Washington State Supreme Court
Klickitat sheep rancher Max Fernandez won a three-year battle last week when the Washington State Supreme Court ruled he doesn’t have to pay his sheepherders minimum wage. In a 5-4 decision, the court said sheepherders are not eligible for minimum wage because their duties require them to live where they work. In 2002, two herders sued Fernandez saying their $650 monthly pay and room, board, health insurance and two weeks’ paid vacation was inadequate. Maybe there is hope to bring some sense into the state’s minimum wage laws. Columbia Legal Services in Yakima plans to take the issue to the 2006 Legislature to overturn the ruling.

Department of Revenue Hosting Roundtable Discussion With Businesses – Register Now!
The Department of Revenue is exploring options for working more effectively with businesses across Washington. Businesses are invited to participate in a roundtable discussion with DOR Director Cindi Yates and other senior DOR officials to discuss a variety of issues. Your feedback will help DOR provide the services you need right now, and explore changes that will make the agency more responsive to your needs for the future. Three events are planned: Friday, Oct. 21, 8:30–11 a.m., Doubletree Hotel City Center Spokane; Monday, Oct. 31, 8:30–11 a.m., Doubletree Inn, Sea-Tac; and Thursday, Nov. 3, 9:30 a.m.–12 noon Red Lion Center, Yakima. Contact AWB’s Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.

AWB Asks Congressional Delegation to Support Cuno Fix and Preserve Sales Tax Exemptions for Investments
On September 2, 2004, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, in Cuno, struck down Ohio’s Investment Tax Credit as discriminatory against interstate commerce. The ruling created uncertainty nationwide by opening the door for additional litigation targeting economic development incentives in all states. Because of Washington’s high sales and business and occupation taxes, these incentives have been extremely important. AWB is therefore asking our congressional delegation to support the Economic Development Act of 2005 (S.1066/H.R. 2471) and encourage its swift movement through Congress. It will be a counter in our Congressional voting record.

Rep. Barbara Bailey Will Talk Health Care on Washington Business Weekly
Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, will discuss what needs to be done to create affordable health care in Washington. The program airs 11 a.m.-12 noon, Thursday, on Tacoma’s KLAY 1180 AM. You may also listen at www.awb.org.

Don’t Heap More Taxes on to Explosives…They Could Blow a Hole in Some Member Budgets
In letters to Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, Democrats, AWB President Don Brunell asked them to oppose the proposed tax on explosives that is being considered in the Senate’s Budget Reconciliation legislation. This tax will unfairly target Washington businesses, including responsible users of explosives, such as concrete, aggregate, sand and mining companies. “Washington businesses already pay over 50 percent of the state’s total tax burden - 10th highest in the nation,” Brunell added.

Math Examples Working Session Planned – Business Community Encouraged to Attend
Business and industry representatives have expressed serious concerns about declines in math, science and technology skills. As such, a new Math Examples Working Session has been planned with the support and participation of AWB for Nov. 3, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Duwamish Center, South Seattle Community College, 6770 East Marginal Way South. Participants will help craft workplace tasks that clearly demonstrate how math is used in business and industry. When complete, this information will be shared statewide through the Transition Math Project. Interested? Contact John House at (206) 870-5906 or JHouse@highline.edu.

AWB to Meet With Ecology on Developing Incentive-Based Environmental Policy – We Need Your Input!
The Dept. of Ecology wants to work with businesses on an incentive-based approach to environmental results. AWB will meet with DOE in early November to discuss this subject. Please let us know by Oct. 31 if you have specific ideas on “incentives” for their businesses and whether they want a follow up with DOE. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

L&I Schedules Public Hearings on 3.8 Percent Average Proposed Rate Increase for 2006
Public hearings on L&I’s proposed workers’ comp rate increase will begin 10 a.m. (Oct. 18, 2401 Riverside Drive, Mt. Vernon; Oct. 20, Red Lion at the Quay, Vancouver; Oct. 24, L&I office, Tukwila; and Oct. 25, L&I headquarters, Tumwater). Talking points and tips on testifying are available. Contact AWB's Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

U.S. House to Designate “Lawsuit Abuse Week” – Will Take Up Three Tort Reform Bills
The week of Oct. 17 is expected to be designated “Lawsuit Abuse Week.” During this time, the House will take up three tort reform bills (H.R. 554, the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act of 2005, S. 397, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, H.R. 420, the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act). Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

McIntire to Talk Tax Reform With AWB Members on Nov. 2 – Register Now!
Rep. Jim McIntire, D-Seattle, will discuss Washington state’s tax system on Nov. 2, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m (Deloitte, 925 4th Avenue, Ste. 3300, Seattle). Space is limited, so register now. Contact Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.

Dept. of Revenue High-Tech Rulemaking Coming Oct. 19 – Focus on Depreciable Property
The Dept. of Revenue will meet (9:30 a.m.-12 noon, Cascade Bldg, Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, Rm C-101, 19010 1st Ave S, Burien) on Oct. 19 regarding the definition of depreciable property, including computer expenses. Contact Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.

AWB Holiday Tree Contributions Approach Half Goal—You Can Help
Each year, AWB sponsors the state’s Holiday Kids’ Tree at the Capitol Campus in Olympia. It is the state’s Christmas tree, and it will be lit on Dec. 2. This year, Weyerhaeuser is providing a 30-foot noble fir from its Mount St. Helens Tree Farm. The tree was planted in 1982 within sight of the volcanic crater. AWB collects donations to provide $1,000 grants to rural fire departments to purchase gifts for needy families. You can help as well by sending your contribution to the AWB Holiday Kids’ Tree. Contact Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or BonnieM@awb.org.

2005 Northwest Environmental Summit– Last Chance to Register!
You won’t want to miss 2005’s Northwest Environmental Summit (Oct. 19-20, Tacoma Convention & Trade Center). Register for the two-day conference and receive a coupon for $25 off the NEW Environmental Compliance Handbook! Visit www.ecwashington.org. Contact Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

Register for November Regional Board Meetings and Legislative Recognition Lunches
Please register for Regional Board of Director at Everett (Nov. 8), Bellevue (Nov. 9), Tacoma (Nov. 10), Vancouver (Nov. 15), Tri-Cities (Nov. 16) and Spokane (Nov. 17). Contact Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or BonnieM@awb.org.

$1.1 Trillion Isn't Chump Change - See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.