Remember Federal Deadlines – You Can Be Reimbursed for Prescription Drug Costs
Employers who pay for prescription drug benefits for Medicare-eligible employees or retirees may qualify for partial reimbursement of those costs. Employers must enroll Aug. 15-Sept. 30 and send letters to eligible employees/retirees informing them of the benefit by Nov. 15. The letter should be sent no later than early October. Medicare recipients may enroll in the program Nov. 15-May 15. The price goes up for every month of delay after May 15. See www.cms.hhs.gov/medicarereform/pdbma/employer.asp. Contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.
AWB Executive Committee to Meet at Semiahmoo on Sept. 21
AWB’s Executive Committee will meet next on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the Semiahmoo Resort. The meeting time is 8:00 a.m., and it will adjourn in time for members to be on the golf course for our annual tournament. To register for the golf tournament, please contact AWB’s Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.
Enter Policy Summit Sponsorship Drawing for an AWB Pendleton Anniversary Blanket
Policy Summit sponsors will automatically be entered into a drawing for a 100th Anniversary Pendleton Blanket. It is an original designed blanket which was unveiled last year. Contact Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org to become a sponsor.
2005 Legislature Earns a C- in Washington Business Magazine’s Legislative Report Card
Washington Business magazine’s Legislative Report Card details how the governor and every legislator acted on important issues affecting business. Unfortunately, the Legislature only earned a C- for its performance this year. “Anyone doing business in Washington today needs to look at this voting record and the percentage scores,” AWB President Don Brunell commented.
President Bush Signs Energy Bill – A Good Step Toward Energy Independence
Tired of depending on Middle Eastern oil for our energy needs? Relief is now on the horizon. Last week President Bush signed a far-reaching energy bill. This measure is a good step in the direction of energy independence. Among the bill’s features are tax breaks to encourage energy development and loan guarantees for new nuclear power plants, clean coal technology and wind power.
Keep Pressure on Senate to Kill National Health Association Bill
AWB opposes H.R. 525, which creates unstable small business insurance markets by bifurcating ground rules for state regulated and federally certified health plans. U.S. Senate hearings on H.R. 525 are planned for September. Thank Sen. Cantwell and Murray for opposing H.R. 525. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.
Tell Your Congressional Representatives to Support Economic Development Tax Incentives
S. 1066 and H.R. 2471 will correct a federal court decision that disallowed economic development tax incentives. Please ask your senators and congress members to support it. Contact AWB’s Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.
Calling All AWB Members – Help Expand Our Membership
Washington’s business community is facing common issues and concerns – UI, workers’ comp, health care, taxes, regulation and many others. AWB’s success in promoting a pro-business agenda in Olympia is directly related to our numbers. Business, indeed, has a larger voice if we stick together. However, not all businesses are part of AWB. As AWB members, you can help us by referring us to businesses we can contact and work on bringing into AWB. With major policy battles approaching in the 2006 legislative session, it is essential that as many businesses as possible be brought under AWB’s roof to give us a stronger voice. Contact AWB’s Jim Durland at (360) 943-1600 or JimD@awb.org.
“The Steps” Are Coming–Get Your Reservations for the Policy Summit Today
The Capitol Steps – D.C.’s great political parodists – will perform at this year’s Policy Summit on Sept. 22. Register at www.policysummit.com. Contact AWB’s Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.
Workplace Issues Discussed on Washington Business Weekly Broadcast – Available at www.awb.org
Last week wage and hour rules and the new law allowing honest job references were discussed on Washington Business Weekly. This week’s program will focus on PBTs and electronic waste. Broadcast live on Tacoma’s KLAY 1180 AM, every Thursday, 11 to 12 noon, you can hear the show at www.awb.org.
Transportation Policy Meeting Scheduled for August 17
AWB will hold a transportation policy meeting (Aug. 17, 9:30 a.m.–12 noon, Cairncross & Hempelmann, Collins Bldg, 524 2nd Ave, Seattle). Ideas for new bills will be presented, anticipated measures will be reviewed and objectives will be finalized. Contact Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.
Workers’ Comp Committee Meetings – 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!
The Northwest Environmental Summit will be held Oct. 19-20 at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. Register at www.ecwashington.org. AWB’s Environmental Excellence Awards will be presented Oct. 19. Deadline for nominations: Sept. 9. For nomination forms, visit www.ecwashington.org. Contact Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.
Unemployment Insurance Flaws Destroy Confidence in the System - See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.
