Happy Thanksgiving — We Have Lots to be Thankful For
As we start the holiday season, please remember the needy. Also, keep our troops and their families in your thoughts and prayers. AWB will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25. Happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful for you, our members.
L&I Announces Workers’ Comp Rates Will Not Increase for Most Washington Employers
L&I made the right decision when it announced last week that workers’ comp premiums, on average, will not increase in 2006 for Washington employers. Although some employers may have premium increases in certain workers’ comp classifications, if employers in those categories experienced higher than normal claims. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or
KrisT@awb.org.
House Approves Deficit Reduction Act - Measure Also Reins in Energy Costs
Kudos to the U.S. House for passing the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 last week. Its passage shows the value of AWB members’ grassroots lobbying. The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate. Please go to
http://www.awb.org/, and contact Sen. Cantwell and Murray and tell them you support this important bill.
AWB’s Regional Board Meetings Concluded— Results Forthcoming
We just completed our Regional Board meetings and legislative recognition lunches. They were very successful, and our attendance was 15 percent better when compared to our December Board meeting last year. Meanwhile, the following issues will go to committee for refinement: oil and gas policy, electric energy, liability reform, health care and transportation. In addition, there will be legislative positions on education/workforce issues and in support of repealing the death tax. Contact Don Brunell at (360) or
DonB@awb.org or AWB’s Gary Chandler at (360) 943-1600 or
GaryC@awb.org.
AWB Meeting with Gregoire Cabinet Members — Send Us Your Input
Tomorrow, Don Brunell, Gary Chandler and Kris Tefft will meet with L&I Director Gary Weeks. Next Monday, Gary Chandler meets with Ecology Director Jay Manning. If you have items for us to discuss, please let us know. Contact Don Brunell at (360) or
DonB@awb.org or Gary Chandler at (360) 943-1600 or
GaryC@awb.org.
AWB Wants Congress to Give All of Washington’s Unemployment Insurance Money Back
AWB wrote Washington’s congressional delegation asking them to support removing the $125 million reduction approved on the Senate floor to the legislation apportioning unemployment taxes back to the states. New York’s Democrat senators, Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton, slipped in an amendment diverting the $125 million to New York for additional Sept. 11, 2001 impact assistance. The further diversion of $125 million in the appropriation for state unemployment insurance payments or Employment Security Dept. administration for any purpose, however laudable, will have a significant adverse effect on workers and employers, as well as the state agencies who must administer the state UI programs. Contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or
MellaniM@awb.org.
PBT Rule to Be Adopted By January
The Dept. of Ecology is poised to adopt a final rule on persistent bioaccumulative toxins (PBTs) by the end of the year. The rule adopts specific PBT criteria and lists those specific chemicals meeting the criteria, defines how chemicals will be selected for chemical action plans, and how those plans will be developed. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or
GrantN@awb.org.
Know Your Responsibilities in Dealing with the Smoking Initiative
Next Washington Business Weekly to Honor AWB Members Who Contribute to Our Communities
In honor of the Thanksgiving, this week’s
Washington Business Weekly will focus on companies that are helping to fill needs in our communities. The program airs 11 a.m.-12 noon, Thursday, on Tacoma’s KLAY 1180 AM. You may also listen at
http://www.awb.org/.
Health Care Committee Meeting on Dec. 19 — Mark Your Calendars!
AWB’s Health Care Committee will be meeting at AWB, 10 a.m., Dec. 19. Details on the agenda will be announced shortly. Contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or
MellaniM@awb.org.
Holiday Tree Contributions Approach Goal—You Can Help
Thanks to everyone for contributing to our AWB Capitol Holiday Kids’ Tree-the state’s Christmas tree. We’ve collected over $14,500 toward our goal of $15,000. The money is used to provide funds for Christmas presents for needy families. You can help by sending your contribution to AWB. Contact Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or
BonnieM@awb.org.
Better Workplace Awards – Send Nominations by Jan. 6
ANWR Exploration Still Hangs in the Balance as Senate and House Confer on Appropriations Bill
Oil exploration in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) is hanging in the balance as the U.S. House and Senate confer on their final appropriations bill. Go to
http://www.awb.org/, and tell your senators and representatives that you support ANWR oil exploration!
A Tale of Two Countries - See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.
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