Governor Looking for Ideas to Reform B&O Tax – You Can Help
During a meeting with the Clark County High-Tech Council last Thursday, Gov. Gregoire said she is looking for ways to reform the B&O tax to make it less onerous on business. AWB President Don Brunell attended that meeting, and she asked him to develop ideas on the tax. She indicated that she is not looking to replace it with an income tax. AWB’s Tom McBride and the Tax and Fiscal Policy Council (TFPC) will work on the issue. Send your ideas to Tom at
TomM@awb.org.
Tax Incentives on the Block - Governor Looking to Ax Those Which Don’t Result in Jobs or Added Business
In 2004, candidate Christine Gregoire said she would take a hard look at all tax incentives to see which ones created or saved jobs and created or added business. She wants evidence that incentives are working and needed and asked AWB to provide proof. Expect a survey from AWB’s TFPC soon. After 1995’s manufacturer’s sales and use tax exemption for new machinery and equipment, 141 small AWB manufacturers told us the exemption drove over a quarter of a billion in new equipment purchases. This is the type of evidence we need to quantify (without disclosing your sensitive information).
Mike McGavick Steps Down as Safeco CEO—Forms Exploratory Committee for a U.S. Senate Run in 2006
Mike McGavick announced he will resign as Safeco's chairman and CEO, saying he is considering running for the Senate in 2006. His exploratory committee includes former Sen. Slade Gorton, McGavick's ex-boss and political mentor; former Rep. Jennifer Dunn; Western Wireless Chairman and Chief Executive John Stanton; and John Carlson, the 2000 GOP candidate for governor.
WISHA Director Wood Hired by State of Oregon
Michael Wood, assistant acting director for L&I’s WISHA Services Division, has been appointed as administrator of the Occupational Safety and Health Division of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services. Wood served as acting assistant director for WISHA since January in addition to holding other state government posts over the past 21 years. He will start his new position Sept. 1.
DR-CAFTA Faces Uncertain Fate in House of Representatives – Urge Your Rep. to Support This Measure!
The U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement faces a close vote this week in the U.S. House of Representatives. Last week, AWB’s Vice President of Government Affairs Gary Chandler was in Washington, D.C. lobbying for this measure. Go to
www.awb.org and tell your members of Congress to support DR-CAFTA.
UI Task Force Meeting Tomorrow – You Are Encouraged to Attend
This year a task force has been formed to study UI issues and make recommendations to the Legislature in January. The task force’s next meeting is on Tuesday, July 26, (10:30 a.m. John L. O’Brien Bldg, Hearing Room A). Public comment will be accepted. We encourage attendance at these meetings. Contact AWB’s Mellani Hughes McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or
MellaniM@awb.org.
Gov. Looking for Regulatory Coordinator
Gov. Gregoire will soon hire a regulatory coordinator to work in her office. This was a recommendation from the Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy (WashACE), a partnership between AWB, the Washington Research Council and Washington Roundtable.
Economic Competitiveness Discussed on Washington Business Weekly Broadcast – Available at
www.awb.org
Last week Washington Business Weekly discussed WashACE and competitiveness, ESD’s
Shared Work Program, and workforce development. This Thursday Sen. Luke Esser, R-Bellevue and Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, will talk about the need for state government to follow Priorities of Government budgeting. Broadcast live on Tacoma’s KLAY 1180 AM, every Thursday, 11 to 12 noon, you can also hear the show at
www.awb.org. Contact AWB’s Lex Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or
AlexisN@awb.org.
Draft Portable Ladder Rule – 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.
ESD to Hold Rulemaking Hearing on Implementation of EHB 6097
The Employment Security Dept. will hold two public hearings on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 1:30 p.m. (Employment Security Bldg, 4th Floor, Conference Room A, 212 Maple Park, Olympia) on rulemaking to implement portions of the 2003 UI reforms that became effective in 2005. Written comments are due by Aug. 1. Draft rules are available at:
http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/unemployment/rulemaking. Contact Mellani Hughes McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or
MellaniM@awb.org.
AWB Submits Mike Hudson to Replace Brunell on Workforce Board
AWB President Don Brunell has asked Gov. Gregoire to appoint Mike Hudson to the state’s Workforce Education and Training Coordinating Board. Hudson, director of AWB’s Institute for Workforce Development and Economic Sustainability, has been Brunell’s alternate on the Board and attends the meetings. “It makes sense to appoint Mike since AWB charged him with coordinating workforce training with employers,” Brunell said. Hudson developed many workforce programs for AWB in conjunction with the state board of community and technical colleges, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Workers’ Comp Committee Meetings – Mark Your Calendar for August 3 and 31
AWB’s Workers’ Comp Committee will be meeting Aug. 3 and 31 (9 a.m.-12 noon, Tacoma Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, 950 Pacific Avenue, 3rd Floor Suite 300, Tacoma). Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or
AmberC@awb.org.
Restricting Emergency Clause Use Will Help Restore Voter Confidence - See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.
