AWB Calls on Legislators to Preserve Initiative 601’s Spending Limits, Create Rainy Day Fund
As legislators rush to implement the budget, SSB 6896, providing for state funding stabilization, it could receive amendments that would change Initiative 601’s spending limits and also require the passage of SJR 8222, which would create a constitutional rainy day fund. AWB supports the establishment of a rainy day fund as responsible fiscal policy, but opposes any tinkering with Initiative 601’s spending limits. Go to www.awb.org, and tell your legislators that we need a constitutional rainy day fund to protect the Legislature from the Legislature when it comes to saving for future emergencies. Also tell your legislators not to weaken Initiative 601’s spending limits. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Help AWB Oppose Bill to Permanently Gut 2003 UI Reforms
SB 6885, which would permanently end the AWB-supported 2003 UI reforms, is now in the House Rules Committee – one step from going to the House floor for a vote. This bill, which includes a provision to make two quarter averaging permanent, is bad news for business. It raises benefits and spends down the trust fund too fast, jeopardizing overall solvency and creating the need for a 27 percent tax increase if we are faced with another recession. Go to www.awb.org, and tell your legislators not to undo the 2003 UI reforms. Contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.

Streamlined Sales Tax Passed Out of House Finance Committee – Urge Representatives to Support!
SB 6594, which would bring Washington’s sales tax rules in line with the federal agreement, has been passed out of the House Finance Committee. AWB has worked hard to pass this bill, which is very good for business. Now the legislation will go to the House Rules Committee. Go to www.awb.org, and urge your representatives to support SB 6594. Contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Washington Research Council Briefs Critique Increased Spending in State’s Budget
The Washington Research Council has released a policy brief reviewing the supplemental budget passed by the state Senate. The Senate budget boosts ongoing spending by more than $500 million and holds about $900 million in reserves. While the Senate showed restraint in the face of revenue growth, the increased spending aggravates state's existing structural deficit. To read the full briefs, go to: http://researchcouncil.blogs.com/weblog/files/senate_supplemental_for_website  and
http://researchcouncil.blogs.com/weblog/files/house_supplemental_budget_2006.pdf.

Scott Tells Nation’s Governors That Wal-Mart Attacks Won’t Solve Nation’s Health Care Crisis 
Yesterday, Wal-Mart CEO H. Lee Scott Jr., told the nation’s governors in Washington, D.C., that state bills aimed at improving Wal-Mart's benefits "may score short-term political points, but they won't solve America's health care challenges." Scott said that Wal-Mart's health plans were "not perfect" but that the company was committed to improving the health care system by expanding its benefits and by opening low-cost medical clinics for workers and the public in its stores. Trying to broaden a debate over employer health care plans that have focused heavily on Wal-Mart, Scott said: "At the end of the day, this is not about me.” Washington had a similar bill that failed. See www.walmartfacts.com/docs/1718_FEB2006leescottngaspeech_693648941.pdf.

Last Chance to Register for Human Resources Seminar – Feb. 28, Red Lion Hotel, SeaTac 
Learn how to avoid fines, penalties, and litigation through adopting "best practices" and maintaining proper employment records. For more information, see www.awb.org/events/seminars/hrfilecabinet.asp. Contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

Washington’s New Edible Bulb and Tuber…What Will They Think of Next?
Teacher Toni Miller and her Kirkland Junior High School students got a look at how the bill-to-law process can be steeped in politics and political shenanigans. Miller and her students initiated House Bill 1964, found legislators to sponsor it and have written, and e-mailed and lobbied state lawmakers for three years to make it happen. And it did finally happen, at least in the state House of Representatives, where the Walla Walla trademark crop got its sweet reward with 95-1 approval, which sent it to the state Senate for consideration. That's when spud-backers objected, and the Great Food Fight began in the Senate. The "onion bill" is now dubbed the "bulb and tuber bill." The Walla Walla onion would be the state's official "edible bulb," and the russet potato would be the state's official "edible tuber."

Private Ferries to Be Discussed on Next Washington Business Weekly
Jim Boldt, of Aqua Express, will discuss how private ferries could contribute to the Puget Sound region’s transportation infrastructure on the next Washington Business Weekly, 11 a.m.-12 noon, Thursday, on Tacoma’s KLAY 1180 AM and at www.awb.org. If you have any suggestions for future guests or topics, please let us know. Contact AWB’s Lex Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@awb.org.

Still No Answers from the Governor, AG or Employment Security…So Be Careful with Your Info
It has been over a month since sensitive, confidential employer information was leaked to the press.  There are still no answers.  Supposedly, Attorney General Rob McKenna is investigating.  Until we learn how your sensitive information will be protected, be very cautious about what you give the state.  Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Learn the Legal Aspects of Interviewing, Hiring, Managing and Discharging Employees
AWB will hold an Employment Law Seminar at SeaTac’s Hilton Hotel, Wednesday, Mar. 22. This seminar will help employers manage the employment relationship from beginning to end. To register, go to: www.awb.org/events/seminars/employmentaw.asp. Contact Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or Alishab@awb.org.

One of the Things You’ll Find on our Web site…Log on to the Daily News Roundup.
From The Olympian:  “Move over, George Carlin. House Republicans say there are ‘seven dirty words’ you can never say when talking about the Democrats’ budget this year in Olympia. Among the forbidden phrases: ‘Shell game.’ ‘Lack of honesty with taxpayers.’ ‘Tax-and-spend liberal.’ ‘It’s not truthful to say this money is being put into reserve.’ Carlin wasn’t joking about the words not allowed on TV. And it appears the GOP isn’t joking, either. Republican news releases using the forbidden phrases were removed from websites and edited this week by order of the House Chief Clerk’s Office and its legal counsel. The reason: The words impugned the motives of the other party’s members at taxpayer expense, House Chief Clerk Rich Nafziger said Thursday. ‘You can’t use taxpayers’ dollars to sling mud.’ But Rep. John Serben, R- Spokane, called it censorship.”

CompWise OSHA Record-keeping & Workers’ Comp Administration Seminar – Register Now!  
Learn everything you need to know about OSHA record-keeping and workers’ comp administration at CompWise’s seminar, to be held Mar. 28, 8 a.m.-5 p.m, at AWB. Learn how to report and post injuries, complete OSHA forms, create a claim file, control medical costs, pay benefits, handle disputed claims, read reports, apply safety rules to your company, download and use L&I PowerPoint presentations, find safety forms and more. For more information, visit www.awb.org/events/seminars/osharecordkeeping.asp. Contact Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

"When Government Goes Too Far” - See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.

If you would like to unsubscribe to Fast Facts, please contact Members@awb.org.