The 2007 legislative leadership has been unveiled. House Democrats will be led by Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle; Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam; and Whip Sharon Tomiko Santos, D-Seattle. House GOP leadership includes Minority Leader Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis; Floor Leader David Buri, R-Colfax; and Whip Lynn Schindler, R-Spokane. Senate Democrat leadership includes Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane; Floor Leader Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way; and Whip Debbie Regala, D-Tacoma. Senate Republicans have chosen Minority Leader Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, and Whip Dale Brandland, R-Bellingham.

 

Gov. Gregoire and Senate and House leaders have announced that employers will save about $89 million in business taxes in 2007 due to lower premiums for UI and workers’ comp insurance. The governor is also proposing a six month suspension of a portion of workers’ comp premiums, which would save employers and workers another $315 million. In addition, workers’ comp taxes will be lowered an average of 13 percent next year for a savings of $58.4 million.

 

The Employment Security Dept. will appeal the challenge that last year’s UI reforms are out of conformity with federal regulations on seasonal workers. Contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.

 

PDC Urges Sweeping Restrictions on Campaign Spending
The state Public Disclosure Commission is calling for campaign finance restrictions on corporations, unions and other associations. The PDC wants action on the issue during the 2007 session. Court challenges will likely arise on First Amendment grounds.

 

AWB’s Legislative Day is packed full of activities with the governor speaking at lunch and capped off by our traditional reception. Don’t miss it. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

 

AWB LandUse Committee Will Look at Regulatory Takings Issue
AWB’s Land Use Committee will meet Dec. 11, 10 a.m. – 12 noon. We will discuss how AWB should proceed with regulatory takings issues in light of I-933’s failure. Contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org.

 

 

Puget Sound Partnership Recommendations for a Healthy Puget Sound by 2020 to Be Unveiled
The Puget Sound Partnership’s final recommendations will be made public Dec. 13 or 14. Visit http://www.pugetsoundpartnership.org/ for more information. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at GrantN@awb.org or Chris McCabe at ChrisM@awb.org or (360) 943-1600.

 

L&I Offering Workshops for Business
L&I is offering free 90-minute workshops on accident prevention for Small Business and Workers’ Compensation 101 in Tukwila (Dec. 6), Vancouver (Dec. 12) and Tacoma (Dec. 19). Visit www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/TrainTools/Workshops/Available/default.asp.

 

Attend Ecology’s Budget, Legislation & Puget Sound Partnership Meeting on Dec. 14
AWB’s Environmental Affairs Council will meet Dec. 14, 9 a.m.– noon to discuss with the Dept. of Ecology its requested legislation for next session, its capital and operating budgets and the final Puget Sound Partnership recommendations. Visit www.ecy.wa.gov/services/fs/07-09budget.htm. Contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

 

L&I Meeting With Business Community – Dec. 15
Judy Schurke, interim L&I director, will meet with the business community on Dec. 15, 1-2:30 p.m. at L&I headquarters in Tumwater. For directions, visit http://lni.wa.gov/Main/ContactInfo/OfficeLocations/default.asp.

 

Holiday Kids’ Tree Project—State’s Christmas Tree—Raises Over $17,000 for the Needy – Thanks!
The Holiday Kids’ Tree lighting ceremony for the State’s Christmas Tree in the Capitol Rotunda was a great success. This year, we have raised over $17,000 to provide gifts and food for needy families. Thanks for your generosity!

 

Better Workplace Awards – Send Nominations by Jan. 5
AWB’s Better Workplace Awards honor companies with exemplary records in workplace safety, job training and advancement programs, and innovative benefit/compensation programs. Submit nominations by Jan. 5 to www.awb.org/services/awards/bwa/index.asp. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

 

2007 Northwest Environmental Summit – Planning Starts in January
Help plan the Northwest’s premier summit on environmental issues! Committee meetings begin in January. Interested in serving on the steering committee? Contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

 

Previous Show Highlights on Next Washington Business Weekly – On the Air and Online at http://www.awb.org/
Listen Thursday on Tacoma’s KLAY-AM 1180, 11a.m.-12 noon, and on Spokane’s KSBN-AM 1230, 5-6 p.m.

 

Emergency Planning & Disaster Management Seminar on Jan. 31– Is Your Business Prepared?
Attend our one-day seminar and learn to prepare and apply a survival plan for any type of disaster. For more information, please visit www.awb.org/events/seminars/emergencyplanning.asp. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.