AWB Urging Gov to Sign Tax Incentives 
AWB has sent Gov. Gregoire a letter asking her to sign competitive incentives, ranging from lowering the B&O tax on environmental remediation to repealing automatic five percent penalties for late excise tax filings.  For a copy, e-mail DonB@awb.org. 

SSB 6781 –  Urge Governor to Sign This Environmental Remediation Bill at www.awb.org
SSB 6781 provides a sales and use tax exemption and a reduced B&O tax rate of 0.471 percent for environmental remedial action. Go to www.awb.org, and urge Gov. Gregoire to sign this bill. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Political Party Swapping and Jockeying for Greater Control of the State Senate 
Rep. Rodney Tom, R-Medina, has become a Democrat to run against incumbent Sen. Luke Esser, R-Bellevue. Democrats want more seats in the Senate where they currently have a two seat advantage, 26-23. The Democrats are also eyeing the seats of Sen. Bob Oke, R-Port Orchard, who is retiring, and Sen. Steve Johnson, R-Kent, who is running for the State Supreme Court.

HB 1523 – Helping Washington’s Seed Market
AWB applauds the passage of HB 1523, which protects the sustainability of worldwide markets for beet, spinach and cabbage seeds.  This targeted tax incentive will increase job creation and help spur seed growing businesses in our state. Go to www.awb.org, and urge Gov. Gregoire to sign this bill.  Contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Judge Rules in Favor of Voter-Approved Spending Limits
A Snohomish County judge has ruled that the Legislature acted illegally in bypassing voter-approved spending limits to enact new fees on cigarettes and liquor. The state is expected to appeal. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Legislature Passes Workforce Training Bill – Urge Governor to Sign at www.awb.org 
AWB is pleased with SB 6326, which provides state-subsidized training assistance to help businesses locating or expanding in the state train employees. Go to www.awb.org, and urge the governor to sign this bill. Contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Idaho’s Kempthorne Chosen to Replace Norton at U.S. Dept. of Interior
President Bush appointed Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne to replace Gale Norton, who resigned as Secretary of Interior. Kempthorne, a mountain-bike enthusiast, is a former U.S. senator from Idaho. He spoke at AWB’s annual spring meeting in Spokane a few years ago.

HB 2498 Would Give Competitive Grants for Business Clusters – Go to www.awb.organd Urge Governor to Sign
AWB supports HB 2498, which would give competitive grants for the development of business clusters. Go to www.awb.org, and urge the governor to sign this bill. Contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Learn More About L&I’s New Right of Entry Law at www.awb.org 
SHB 2538, which clarifies the right of entry for L&I employees conducting workplace safety inspections, is now the law. Learn more at www.awb.org/cgi-bin/absolutenm/templates/?a=1160&z=4. Contact Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Research Council Looks at Initiative 917’s Potential Impact on Transportation Fees
The Transportation Revenue Forecast Council estimates that I-917 would reduce state revenue by $2.7 billion over the next 16 years. See the Research Council’s analysis at http://researchcouncil.blogs.com/weblog/files/i_917_transportation_initiative_pb_0612.pdf.

Tacoma Chamber and Redmond Rotary Presentations This Week 
AWB is continuing its outreach program. AWB President Don Brunell will be speaking to the Tacoma Chamber and Redmond Rotary Club this week. He’s willing to head your way as well. Contact AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or BonnieM@awb.org. 

Armstrong and Condotta on Next Washington Business Weekly
Rep. Mike Armstrong, R-Wenatchee, will talk about state spending and Rep. Cary Condotta, R-East Wenatchee, will discuss tax incentives for small businesses to provide employee health care on the next Washington Business Weekly, 11 a.m.-12 noon, Thursday on Tacoma’s KLAY 1180 AM and at www.awb.org.