Gregoire Signs Workers’ Comp Legislation
Gov. Gregoire signed several pieces of significant workers’ comp legislation into law during the 2005 legislative session. Among the bills she signed: HB 1856, which directs the state auditor to conduct annual audits of the state fund; HB 1917, which AWB successfully lobbied to amend to protect retro programs; HB 2185 (Residential modification for workers’ comp); SB 6014 (Disaster response bill for workers’ comp); and SB 5992 (2nd injury fund bill). Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

AWB Pushing for Federal Asbestos Legislation Stalled in U.S. Senate
AWB is rekindling its efforts to help pass asbestos fairness legislation. The Asbestos Alliance, in which AWB participates, developed a powerful newspaper ad to run in The New York Times and Wall Street Journal. The numbers are staggering: 74 companies bankrupt, 60,000 jobs lost, and $343 billion in economic costs. We want a solution that allows deserving victims to get paid outside of court. Visit www.asbestossolution.org.

AWB Challenges Dept. of Revenue Rulemaking Authority in Washington State Supreme Court
Tomorrow the Washington Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case of Association of Washington Business v. Dept. of Revenue, a case challenging the authority of DOR to issue non-binding interpretive rules, and then treat them as though they have the force of law in dealings with taxpayers. AWB is the plaintiff in the case urging the court to invalidate the rules. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Employer Representatives Chosen for UI Study
After significant deliberation, AWB’s staff and officers recommended the following people to serve as employer representatives on the Joint Legislative Task Force on Unemployment Insurance Benefit Equity. They include: Chris Cheney, representing agricultural employers; Bruce Beckett, Weyerhaeuser, representing high-end stable employers; Mellani Hughes McAleenan, AWB, representing small business and retail employers; and Kathleen Collins, representing construction employers. We are also seeking to create a solid base of employers to support the employer group’s work. If you are interested in participating in the employers group, please contact AWB’s Mellani Hughes McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.

Hanford Initiative 297 to Be Heard in State Supreme Court
On Thursday the Washington Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case of United States v. Hoffman, part of the litigation over the validity of Initiative 297, involving disposition of radioactive materials at the Hanford site. AWB filed a friend-of-the-court brief, joined by the Tri-City Chamber of Commerce and the eight Tri-Cities area legislators urging the court to clear the way for I-297 to be struck down as unconstitutional. Contact Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Preliminary Draft Construction Stormwater Permit – Now Available
The preliminary draft construction stormwater general permit (CSGP) is now available for members to review and provide comment. Significant changes are being proposed by the Department of Ecology, including incorporating EPA’s Phase II rules for sites less than 5 acres and new sampling, monitoring, reporting and record keeping requirements. The permit also incorporates SB 6415, which was spearheaded by AWB during the 2004 legislative session and offers protection against lawsuits to businesses permitted under the CSGP. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org for additional information and to provide input prior to the permit going out for public comment.

AWB to Represent Employer Concerns at L&I Advisory Committee Meeting
This Wednesday AWB will be present at an L&I Employment Law Advisory Committee meeting to discuss a series of draft administrative policies prior to them becoming final, involving employment standards and minimum wage act issues. Contact Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Legislative Preview ’06 – DeBolt Named House Minority Leader
Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, has been named House minority leader by his GOP caucus. DeBolt succeeds Rep. Bruce Chandler, R-Granger, as minority leader. Prior to the 2005 legislative session, DeBolt held this position.

Electrical Standard and Portable Ladder Rules Up for Revision by L&I
The Dept. of Labor and Industries is proposing to adopt amendments by the Expedited Adoption process. L&I received letters from OSHA indicating that Washington was not as effective as the federal requirements relating to the electrical standard, chapter 296-45 WAC. If you would like information on the electrical amendments, please visit http://www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/Rules/electricalworkers/InfoPack2.htm.  Another rule is Portable Ladders Chapter 296-876, WAC. L&I is rewriting and clarifying requirements relating to this rule. The filing will be at the end of May. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

AWB Working on Federal Legislation to Protect Tax Credits – Bill Ready for Senate Introduction
Along with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the Council on State Taxation (COST), AWB is working on federal legislation to correct problems created by the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court which basically says state tax credits violate the interstate commerce clause of the Constitution. Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, is introducing the legislation after AWB and its counterpart organizations from other states were able to develop corrective language. AWB’s counterpart in Tennessee led the effort to correct the bill and secured Sen. Bill Frist’s, R-Tennessee, (the U.S. Senate majority leader), support for the bill.

2005 Legislative Session Reports Now Available
AWB’s Governmental Affairs staff is finalizing its detailed session reports. They are available now. They are excellent. Contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org if you’d like a copy.

AWB Air Quality & Energy Committee Meeting May 23
Mark your calendars for Monday, May 23. From 10 to 11:30 a.m., the Air Quality & Energy Committee will meet at AWB. On the agenda are the CO2 rule and planning a proactive agenda for 2006. Contact AWB’s Kristen Sawin at (360) 943-1600 or KristenS@awb.org.

Engler & Weeks at Spring Board Meeting – Register Now!
The Annual AWB Spring Board Meeting in Spokane is just around the corner on May 24-25. Former Michigan Gov. John Engler is our keynote speaker at dinner on May 24, and we will unveil our border county competitiveness report at breakfast on May 25. Immediately after breakfast, we will have a forum with new L&I Director Gary Weeks. It will be his first week on the job, and he will speak and take questions. Our staff will also present session wrap-ups, talk about what we are doing to prepare for 2006, and answer your questions. Plan to attend. You’ll get your money’s worth. If you haven’t already registered, hurry up and contact the Davenport Hotel at (800) 899-1482. Rooms are filling up fast! Contact AWB’s Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.

Do You Know An AWB Member Who Should Be on AWB’s Board? Nominations are Being Taken!
AWB’s Annual Spring Board Meeting is coming soon. At the meeting we will be choosing new members of AWB’s Board. If you know of an AWB member you think should be on our board, please send us that person’s name in nomination form. Deadline: May 23. Contact AWB’s Dick Walter at (360) 943-1600 or DickW@awb.org.

GAC Retreat Coming June 28-29 – Mark Your Calendars!
The annual Governmental Affairs Council retreat has been scheduled for June 28–29 at the Alderbrook Resort & Spa located on the Hood Canal. The retreat will begin the evening of Monday, June 27 with an informal gathering, all day and evening on Tuesday, June 28, and Wednesday, June 29 until about 12 noon. Register now by calling (800) 622-9370. Contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

Learn the Legal Aspects of Interviewing, Hiring, Managing and Discharging Employees
AWB will hold an Employment Law Seminar at SeaTac’s Doubletree Hotel, Wednesday, June 8. This all day seminar will give employers direction on managing the employment relationship from beginning to end. For more information or to make reservations, contact Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.

Environmental Summit Coming in October – Not Too Soon to Register!
The year’s best opportunity to get the low down on all aspects of environmental policy is coming this fall. The Northwest Environmental Summit is part of AWB’s ongoing effort to keep companies informed of the numerous environmental laws, regulations and policy issues. Expect informative sessions, great networking opportunities and a fantastic tradeshow. AWB has partnered with the Northwest Environmental Business Council to bring you the Summit, which is the most comprehensive forum in the Northwest for in-depth discussion of environmental policy and technical issues. The 2005 Northwest Environmental Conference of Washington features two tracks – policy focus and technical focus - and will be held at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center, October 19 and 20. For more information, log onto www.ecwashington.org or contact Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.

May-June Issue of Washington Business – In Your Mailboxes This Week!
Washington Business magazine’s May-June issue will be in your mailboxes this week. Keep an eye out for it! This issue’s focus is on the very timely topic of keeping Washington competitive with neighboring states like Idaho. Contact AWB’s Ron Dalby at (360) 943-1600 or RonD@awb.org.