AWB Meets with Governor’s Land Use Policy Staff
At last week’s AWB Land Use Committee meeting, Keith Phillips from the executive policy team laid out the governor’s land use agenda, including fixing “best available science” for critical area protection and allowing more small commercial uses on AG lands. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-160 at KrisT@AWB.org.

Gas Tax Gaining Support - AWB’s Board Will Consider Position at Sept. 23 Semiahmoo Meeting
A new Stu Elway poll found those favoring I-912, which would repeal the 9 cent gas tax increase - compromise 52 % of voters, down from 55 % in June. The top reasons for support had to do with price while the reasons to oppose had to do with need. AWB’s poll shows our members are evenly divided. Our Board will consider this issue at Semiahmoo.

Court Rules Against UPS in Workers’ Comp Case
A Washington Court of Appeals ruled that a UPS mechanic is eligible for workers’ comp benefits after suffering a heart attack on the job, citing nexus between job demands and heart attack. See www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.opindisp&docid=231739MAJ.

Brunell and Chandler Meet with L&I Director
AWB’s Don Brunell and Gary Chandler met with L&I Director Gary Weeks to talk about workers’ comp and workplace safety issues. The meeting was very productive, and we’ll meet again this fall.

Chinese President Coming to Seattle---Looks Like China’s Ambassador Will Not Attend Policy Summit
Hu Jintao, China’s president, is coming to America and his first stop is in Seattle (Sept. 6). AWB’s Don Brunell will attend the president’s luncheon. Chinese Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong will be very busy during September the president, so it is unlikely the ambassador will be at Policy Summit.

Policy Summit Coming Sept. 21-23 – Don’t Miss Out - Register Now!
AWB’s Policy Summit will be held at Semiahmoo, Sept. 21-23. Register at www.policysummit.com. To register for the golf tournament or to become a sponsor, please contact AWB’s Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.

Building a Budget for Long Term Stability – New Brief from WashACE
According to a new WashACE brief, Washington state government faces a structural budget gap. To close this gap, lawmakers must focus first on expenditure control. See http://researchcouncil.blogs.com/weblog/files/washace_sustainability_cb_059_aug_25.pdf.

Brunell Named to Global Competitiveness Council – We Need Your Input
AWB President Don Brunell was named to Gov. Gregoire’s Global Competitiveness Council. The first meeting is Sept. 7. Let us know what you think would help this state become more competitive. Contact Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

Freeman Talks Transportation on Washington Business Weekly Broadcast – Available at www.awb.org
Kemper Freeman talked about our transportation mess on last week’s Washington Business Weekly. This week’s show will focus on workers’ comp. Broadcast live on Tacoma’s KLAY 1180 AM, every Thursday, 11 to 12 noon, you can hear the show at www.awb.org.

Dept. of Revenue High Tech Rulemaking Coming Sept. 7 – Focus on Reporting Requirements for Sales Tax Deferral
DOR will meet (9:30 a.m.-12 noon, Sept. 7, Cascade Bldg, Washington State Criminal Justice Training Com., Rm C-101, 19010 1st Ave S, Burien) regarding reporting requirements for sales tax deferral. Contact AWB’s Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.

Workers’ Comp Committee Meeting – Mark Your Calendar for August 31
AWB’s Workers’ Comp Committee will be meeting Aug. 31 (9 a.m.-12 noon, Tacoma Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, 950 Pacific Ave, 3rd Flr, Ste 300, Tacoma). Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

2005 Northwest Environmental Summit – A Great Event Not to Be Missed!
To register for 2005’s Northwest Environmental Summit (Oct. 19-20, Tacoma Convention & Trade Center), visit www.ecwashington.org. Environmental Excellence Award nomination deadline: Sept. 9. Nomination forms at www.ecwashington.org.

Vito Hired to Lead Campaign Against Statewide Smoking Ban: Veteran lobbyist Vito Chiechi will lead a “No on 901 Committee” to defeat I-901, which would outlaw smoking by adults on personal property, private businesses or vehicles while exempting tribal lands and businesses. See www.NoOn901.org.

Washington BusinessMagazine Headed to Press - Focus on International Trade
Washington Business magazine is headed to press. The focus is on international trade and its importance to Washington. Woven in the magazine is the issue of outsourcing. Look for it after Labor Day.

There’s Oil in Them There Hills (Gas Too!)
As Hurricane Katrina pounded the Gulf Coast, people realized our domestic oil and gas supplies (About one fourth is from the Gulf Coast) are vulnerable. This is a reason ANWR is important for the transition to alternative fuels. Another area of hope: Last year energy companies spent $10.7 billion in the Rocky Mtns. Region, which may contain 165-260 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. In 2003, a field with as much as one billion barrels of oil was found in Utah.

Congress' Unfinished Business: Reform Asbestos Victims' Compensation - See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.