Tort Reform Action in U.S. House – Food Consumption Bill Passes, Now We Need Vote on Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act
The U.S. House passed a tort reform bill - H.R. 554, the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act- which now goes to the U.S. Senate. H.R. 420, the Lawsuit abuse Reduction Act, has not been taken up yet. Call your members of Congress, and urge them to support this bill. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.
AWB’s Regional Board Meetings and Legislative Recognition Lunches Coming in November – Register Now!
Register for Regional Board meetings and Legislative receptions at Everett (Nov. 8), Bellevue (Nov. 9), Tacoma (Nov. 10), Vancouver (Nov. 15), Tri-Cities (Nov. 16) and Spokane (Nov. 17). Contact AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or BonnieM@awb.org.
AWB Contributes to Global Competitiveness Council – We Need Your Input
Last week, the Governor’s Global Competitiveness Council met. The Council is looking at issues like health care, pensions and regulatory reform—big ticket items for business and government. AWB is very involved in the Council, giving input on issues ranging from predictability, marketing, tourism, infrastructure, skills training and innovation. The next meeting is Nov. 16, so please continue to send us your helpful input. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.
Another Win in the U.S. Senate – Explosive Tax Killed Thanks to Grassroots Action!
AWB is pleased that a tax on explosives used in the concrete, aggregate, construction, demolition, sand and gravel, and mining industries was not included by the U.S. Senate in its budget reconciliation legislation. Our grassroots action against this tax paid off!
L&I Employment Law Advisory Committee - Meeting Oct. 26
AWB’s Employment Law Committee will meet Wed., Oct. 26. On the agenda is stakeholder comment on elements of the department’s legislative and regulatory agenda. Contact Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.
Outsourcing Task Force to Meet – Focus on State Contracts
The Outsourcing Task Force will hold a meeting Wed., Oct. 26 to further its study of the issue of performing work on state contracts at locations outside the US. Contact Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.
AWB to Meet With Ecology on Developing Incentive-Based Environmental Policy – We Need Your Input!
The Dept. of Ecology wants to work with businesses on an incentive-based approach to environmental results. AWB will meet with DOE in early November to discuss this subject. Please let us know by Oct. 31 if you have specific ideas on “incentives” for their businesses and whether they want a follow-up with DOE. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.
McIntire to Talk Tax Reform With AWB Members on Nov. 2 – Register Now!
Rep. Jim McIntire, D-Seattle, will discuss Washington state’s tax system on Nov. 2, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. (Deloitte, 925 4th Avenue, Ste. 3300, Seattle). Space is limited, so register now. Contact AWB’s Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.
Department of Revenue Hosting Roundtable Discussion With Businesses – Register Now!
Businesses are invited to participate in a roundtable discussion on a variety of issues with senior DOR officials. Two events are planned: Monday, Oct. 31, 8:30–11 a.m., Doubletree Inn, SeaTac, and Thursday, Nov. 3, 9:30 a.m.–12 noon Red Lion Center, Yakima. Contact Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.
TFPC Meeting on Nov. 3 – AWB v. DOR to Be Discussed
There will be a TFPC meeting on Nov. 3, 9:30 a.m.–12 noon in Seattle at Deloitte. We will address the effect of AWB v. DOR on whether the 1995 Regulatory Reform Act removed an agency’s authority to adopt purely interpretive, non-binding regulations. New legislative ideas for the 2006 session will be discussed. Contact Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.
Education Committee to Meet Nov. 4 – Contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.
Washington Business Weekly – Next Show Will Focus on Water Rights
AWB’s Chris McCabe will help explain the extremely contentious issue of water rights in Washington. The program airs 11 a.m.-12 noon, Thursday, on Tacoma’s KLAY 1180 AM. You may also listen at www.awb.org.
2005 Statewide Small Business Conferences – Coming in November
Washington Policy Center with AWB will sponsor two Statewide Business Conferences this November – one at the Three Rivers Convention Center in the Tri-Cities (Nov. 10) and one at the SeaTac Hilton (Nov. 17). Major issues facing the business community will be discussed. Register at www.washingtonpolicy.org/SmallBusiness.html. Call (888) 972-9272 to be a sponsor.
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 need between $12,000 and $15,000 to provide $1,000 grants to rural fire departments to purchase gifts for needy families. You can help by sending your contribution to the AWB Capitol Holiday Kids’ Tree. Contact Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or BonnieM@awb.org.
Completely Updated Environmental Compliance Handbook – Now Available!
AWB and the Marten Law Group PLLC have completely updated their ready reference manual, the Environmental Compliance Handbook, a 600+ page guide. Order your copy today. Contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.
French Wine Disaster Holds a Lesson for Washington - See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.
