AWB applauds the State Supreme Court for holding that Initiative 297 seeks to regulate the transport of hazardous waste materials outside the scope of the state’s existing authority. Due to its negative impact on the economy, AWB argued against parts of it. The lawsuit now goes back to federal court. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360)943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.
DR-CAFTA Narrowly Passes in U.S. House – Biggest Free Trade Legislation Since NAFTA
The U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement passed 217-215 in the U.S. House of Representatives. AWB thanks Rep. Dicks (D), Reichert (R), Hastings (R) and McMorris (R) for their support.
Energy Bill Approved by Congress – Includes Incentives for Alternative Energy Technology
A far reaching energy bill passed in both the U.S. House and Senate last week. The legislation includes tax breaks and loan guarantees for new nuclear power plants, clean coal technology and wind power. In the Senate, Patty Murray voted against the bill, while Maria Cantwell voted for it. In the House, Reps. Dicks (D), Larsen (D), McMorris (R), Hastings (R) and Reichert (R) voted for the bill.
Congress Passes Highway Funding Bill – Includes $4 Billion for Washington State Highway Projects
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a highway funding bill, including $220 million to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct, funds to improve I-405 and SR 18, and numerous other Washington projects. The entire Washington delegation voted for the measure.
House Passes Medical Malpractice Legislation—Republicans Support It, Democrats Oppose
In the U.S. House of Representatives, medical malpractice legislation passed 230-194. Rep. McMorris (R), Hastings (R) and Reichert (R) supported it. The measure caps punitive and non-economic damages at $250,000. It now heads for a rocky road in the U.S. Senate.
“The Steps” Are Coming–Get Your Reservations for the Policy Summit Today
The Capitol Steps, who performed at the Policy Summit in the late 1990s and are worth the price of admission, will perform at this year’s Policy Summit on Sept. 22. Register today! Contact AWB’s Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.
AFL-CIO Undergoes Big Shakeup – Teamsters and Two Other Unions Withdraw Membership and Funding
Organized labor’s largest organization is in major turmoil. Last week, the Teamsters, Service Workers, and United Food and Commercial Workers abandoned the AFL-CIO over disagreements on how to stem declining membership. The unions’ exit will deprive the AFL-CIO of close to $28 million of its estimated $120 million budget.
Dept. of Ecology Considering Final PBT Rule
Public comment on the Dept. of Ecology’s persistent bioaccumulative toxin (PBT) rule has closed. AWB members have asked Ecology to consider realistic approaches to managing PBTs and rely on credible science in reconsidering actions to reduce risk to human health and the environment. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360)943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.
AWB’s Gary Chandler on Panel to Review WISHA Director Candidates
AWB Vice President Gary Chandler is on a panel reviewing the candidates for the WISHA director’s position at the L&I. That is the position vacated by Michael Silverstein, who resigned to take a job at the University of Washington.
Economic Competitiveness Discussed on Washington Business Weekly Broadcast – Available at http://www.awb.org/
Last week Sen. Luke Esser, R-Bellevue, and Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, discussed why the state should follow Priorities of Government budgeting on Washington Business Weekly. This week’s program will focus on “pay or play” health care and family leave. Broadcast is live on Tacoma’s KLAY 1180 AM, every Thursday, 11 to 12 noon; you can also hear the show at www.awb.org.
ESD to Hold Rulemaking Hearing on Implementation of EHB 6097
The Employment Security Dept. will hold two hearings (Aug. 2, 1:30 p.m., Employment Security Bldg, 4th Floor, Conference Room A, 212 Maple Park) on implementing parts of the 2003 UI reforms. See http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/unemployment/rulemaking. Contact AWB’s Mellani Hughes McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.
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.
Tax and Fiscal Policy Council Meeting Tomorrow - Contact AWB’s Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.
Watch for Washington Business Magazine Coming in YOUR Mail Soon—Save This One
Washington Business magazine is at the press and will be in the mail soon. It has the 2005 legislative wrap-up and scorecard. We discovered an error in the legislative scorecard, which is why it has been delayed. We want it to be accurate.
2005 Northwest Environmental Summit– A Great Event Not to Be Missed!
AWB and the Northwest Environmental Business Council (NEBC) will bring our Washington’s most comprehensive environmental conference to 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 at the Environmental Summit. Deadline for nominations: Sept. 9. For nomination forms, visit www.ecwashington.org. Contact AWB’s Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.
Federal Energy Bill is a Start - See This Week’s President’s Perspective at http://www.awb.org/.
