AWB’s Board Votes to Oppose I-912 - Gas Tax Repeal
On Friday, the Board adopted the recommendation of AWB’s Governmental Affairs Council (GAC) to oppose Initiative 912, the ballot measure repealing the gas tax increase. A quorum of 66 members attended the meeting and to take a position on an initiative, AWB needed a 60 percent vote of the Board. It received that margin, and the defining arguments centered around the need to eliminate traffic congestion, to improve road and highway safety, the fact that projects are likely to get more expensive over time, and the impact of immobility on the bottom line. For example, Greg Tisdel, owner of Tiz Doors in Everett, indicated his cost per gallon has risen from 23 cents to 39 cents because of congestion. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.
AWB Supports Performance Audits Initiative
On Friday, AWB’s Board also voted to support Initiative 900, a ballot measure that establishes performance audits and funds them. Contact AWB’s Gary Chandler (360) 943-1600 or GaryC@awb.org.
AWB Votes to Stay Neutral on Initiative 901 Smoking Ban
After a long debate, the Board overturned a GAC recommendation to oppose I-901. While many felt the ban was too restrictive, there were not enough votes to overcome health concerns. Contact Gary Chandler at (360) 943-1600 or GaryC@awb.org.
2006 Legislative Objectives Approved at Policy Summit – Will Be Further Refined at November Regional Board Meetings
Bruhn Award Goes to Don Dennis
CenturyTel’s Don Dennis is 2005’s S. Fred Bruhn Award winner. Dennis received the honor at AWB’s Policy Summit at Semiahmoo for his long-time service on AWB’s Board. The Bruhn Award was started in 1990 in honor of S. Fred Bruhn, former Safeco vice president. “Don has many of Fred’s attributes, and it is a great choice,” AWB President Don Brunell said. Congratulations, Don!
Denny Eliason Wins Gjerde Award
Long-time lobbyist Denny Eliason was named by his peers to receive the 2005 Ron Gjerde Award as the top business lobbyist. He received the award at AWB’s Policy Summit last week. Eliason, who started his career with Safeco and moved to Sabey before starting Alliance Northwest, has been a long-time AWB supporter and served on the Board and as vice chair of our GAC.
Eight Heavy Lifter Awards Given at Policy Summit
2005’s Heavy Lifter Awards were given to AWB members who went above and beyond the call for the business community. This year’s Heavy Lifters are: Terry Corbell (Corbell Management Services and the host of AWB’s Washington Business Weekly radio program), Kris Holm (Attorney at Law), Ken Weiner (Preston Gates & Ellis), David Burkhardt (Sterling Savings Bank), Patrick Batts (Washington State Farm Bureau), Ken Marson (Marson & Marson Lumber), Bill Grinstein (Batelle Pacific NW National Laboratory), and David Moore (Boeing). Congratulations to all!
State Supreme Court Issues Mixed Ruling in AWB v. Dept. of Revenue Case
Last Thursday, the Washington Supreme Court issued a mixed ruling in a case AWB brought against the Dept. of Revenue. AWB argued the 1995 Regulatory Reform Act removed an agency’s authority to adopt purely interpretive, non-binding regulations and that DOR had misled the public to believe these rules had binding effect. The Supreme Court held DOR does have the authority to adopt such regulations but made clear that interpretive regulations are not binding on the public and the courts. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.
Remember Federal Deadlines – You Can Be Reimbursed for Prescription Drug Costs
Employers who pay for prescription drug benefits for Medicare-eligible retirees may be partially reimbursed if they enroll before Sept. 30 and send letters to eligible employees/retirees informing them of the benefit by Nov. 15. Medicare recipients may enroll in the program Nov. 15-May 15. Contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.
L&I Schedules Public Hearings On 3.8 Percent Average Proposed Rate Increase for 2006 — Make Your Voice Known
Public hearings on L&I’s proposed workers’ comp rate increase will begin 10 a.m. (Oct. 11, Airport Ramada Inn, Spokane; Oct. 13, Red Lion Hotel, Yakima; 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). Contact AWB's Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.
Policy Summit Sweaters Available - Contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.
Register for November Regional Board Meetings and Legislative Recognition Lunches
Please register for the Regional Board of Director meetings and legislative recognition lunches. All members are invited to attend the legislative recognition lunches where we will present legislators from your area, who had an 80 percent or higher voting record, with their Cornerstone Awards. Join us in saying thank you, and come to the Regional Board meeting to hear about our 2006 legislative agenda. The meetings are Everett (Nov. 8), Bellevue (Nov. 9), Tacoma (Nov. 10), Vancouver (Nov. 15), TriCities (Nov. 16) and Spokane (Nov. 17). Contact AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or BonnieM@awb.org.
2006 Competitiveness Redbook Available - Contact AWB’s Lex Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@awb.org.
2005 Northwest Environmental Summit– A Great Event Not to Be Missed!
You won’t want to miss 2005’s Northwest Environmental Summit (Oct. 19-20, Tacoma Convention & Trade Center). To register, visit www.ecwashington.org. Contact AWB’s Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.
Washington’s Air Quality: A Success Story - See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.
