Don’t Forget to Vote Tomorrow – Mail Ballots Must Be Postmarked Before Midnight, Nov. 8!
Don’t forget to vote in this year’s election! Initiatives 900 (supported by AWB), 901 (AWB is neutral), 912 (opposed by AWB), 330 (supported by AWB), and 336 (opposed by AWB) all hang in the balance. In-person voting will take place tomorrow in several counties. If you have not already mailed in your absentee ballot, do so right away. All mail ballots must be postmarked by midnight, Nov. 8. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at
ShannonG@awb.org.
After 20 Years of Debate, ANWR Oil Exploration Moves Closer to Reality
Oil exploration in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) is one step closer to reality. Last week, the Senate struck down Sen. Maria Cantwell’s amendment to remove language that allows ANWR oil exploration from the Senate appropriations bill (S.1932). The bill now goes to the U.S. House. In the 51-46 vote, Sen. Cantwell and Patty Murray voted for the failed amendment.
AWB’s Regional Board Meetings and Legislative Recognition Lunches Coming Soon – Register Now!
Regional Board Meetings and Legislative receptions will be held at Everett (Nov. 8), Bellevue (Nov. 9), Tacoma (Nov. 10), Vancouver (Nov. 15), Tri-Cities (Nov. 16) and Spokane (Nov. 17). At the Nov. 16 reception, Sen. James Honeyford, R-Grandview, will receive the Matson Award. Register now! Contact AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or
BonnieM@awb.org.
Land Use Committee to Meet Nov. 11
AWB’s Land Use Committee will meet Nov. 11,in AWB’s Small Business Conference Room, 10 a.m.-12 noon. The committee will review the second draft of the governor’s seven-part land use agenda updating the Growth Management Act and review the Dept. of Ecology’s proposed Shoreline Management Act rules update. Contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or
ChrisM@awb.org.
House to Consider Important Spending and Tax Cut Bill - Measure Also Seeks to Rein-in Energy Costs
The U.S. House will vote on the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 this week. If it passes, Congress can move on to much needed tax cuts for small businesses. A key part of this bill will help fix the nation’s skyrocketing energy costs. Please contact your representative, and urge him or her to vote for the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.
Tom McBride Departs, AWB’s Government Affairs Dept. Reorganizes
With last week’s departure of Tom McBride, Amber Carter will now specialize in tax and fiscal policy, transportation and workforce training. In addition to their current areas, Kris Tefft will focus on workers’ comp and human resources, Grant Nelson will work on WISHA, and Chris McCabe will push for regulatory reform. In addition, Mellani McAleenan was recently assigned to education.
Judicial Selection Conference Coming Nov. 11
AWB is sponsoring a forum on Nov.11on how judges are selected to state courts and if that process should be reformed.AWB's evaluation and endorsement of judicial candidates will be discussed.Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or
KrisT@awb.org.
State Auditor Needs Your Input on Performance Audits
The State Auditor’s Office has launched a survey to gauge citizen sentiment on areas of state government that should be included in a performance review. To add your opinions to the survey, visit
www.sao.wa.gov/performanceaudit.
Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxin (PBT) Rule & PBDE Chemical Action Plan Update
AWB will meet with DOE Director Jay Manning next week regarding the department’s PBT rule, and its’ chemical action plan on PBDE flame retardants. The rule is scheduled to become final next month. Submit your comments by Nov. 18. DOE also intends to finalize the PBDE chemical action plan prior to Jan. 1. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or
GrantN@awb.org.
Next Washington Business Weekly to Focus on Taxation
This week’s
Washington Business Weekly will talk tax reform with representatives of the Heritage Foundation and the Small Business Conference. The program airs 11 a.m.-12 noon, Thursday, on Tacoma’s KLAY 1180 AM. You may also listen at
http://www.awb.org/.
2005 Statewide Small Business Conferences – Coming in November
Washington Policy Center with AWB will sponsor two Statewide Business Conferences this November in the Tri-Cities (Nov. 10) and at SeaTac (Nov. 17). Register at
www.washingtonpolicy.org/SmallBusiness.html. Call (888) 972-9272 to be a sponsor.
AWB Contributes to Global Competitiveness Council – We Need Your Input
The Governor’s Global Competitiveness Council will be meeting on Nov. 16. AWB is very involved in the Council. Please continue to send us your helpful input on competitiveness issues. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or
DonB@awb.org.
Holiday Tree Contributions Approach Half Goal—You Can Help
AWB will be sponsoring the state’s Holiday Kids’ Tree at the Capitol Campus in Olympia. We’ve collected over $9,000 toward our goal of $15,000. The money pays for the tree decorations and provides funds to purchase Christmas presents for needy families. Send your contribution to the AWB Capital Holiday Kids’ Tree. Contact Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or
BonnieM@awb.org.
Better Workplace Awards – Send Nominations by Jan. 6
AWB’s Better Workplace Awards honor companies with exemplary records in workplace safety, job training and advancement programs, and innovative benefit/compensation programs. Submit nominations by Jan. 6 to
www.awb.org/services/awards/bwa/index.asp.
The System Works If You Let Consumers Decide - See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.
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