Former Senate Majority Leader Jim West Passes Away
Former Spokane mayor and state legislator Jim West died on Saturday at the University of Washington Medical Center.  West lost a three-year battle with colon cancer. Jim was 55. “Jim West accomplished many things during his life of public service,” AWB President Don Brunell said. “That is what we all should remember.” Memorial services are pending.

AWB Endorses Alexander and Johnson in Contested Supreme Court Elections
AWB today announced its endorsements for this fall’s elections to the Washington Supreme Court. In Position 8, AWB endorsed Chief Justice Gerry Alexander, a 12-year veteran of the court, in his bid for re-election. In Position 2, AWB endorsed state Sen. Stephen Johnson. Alexander is facing a challenge from attorney John Groen, while Johnson is challenging incumbent Justice Susan Owens. AWB’s endorsements came after analysis of incumbent justices’ decisions in our Judicial Scorecard and interviews by our Legal Affairs Committee. The ultimate endorsement recommendation was made by AWB’s Board. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at KrisT@awb.org or (360) 943-1600. 

Dept. of Revenue Changes Tax Due Dates, Lessens Penalties
Since July 1, a 5 percent underpayment penalty has been assessed only if taxpayers pay less than 80 percent of the total amount due for the period under review and the underpayment is at least $1,000. Interest on underpaid taxes will continue to be due. Beginning on Aug. 1, the due date for monthly excise tax returns to the 25th of each month from the 20th and moves the deadline for paying taxes by debit electronic funds transfer from 5 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on the due date. For more information, call (800) 647-7706 or visit http://dor.wa.gov/content/home/TaxTopics/Penalties.aspx.

DOT Audits on Agenda at Next AWB Transportation Committee Meeting – July 25
The next AWB Transportation Committee meeting will be on July 25, 10 a.m.-12 noon at the AWB office in Olympia. Chris Cortines from the State Auditors Office will describe the upcoming audit of how DOT relieves highway congestion. In addition, AWB’s transportation legislative objective will be reviewed. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Energy and Air Quality Committees Meeting to Discuss Possible Climate Change Legislation – July 26
This meeting will be held 10 a.m.-12 noon at AWB. Contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org.

Environmental Excellence Awards Coming in October – Deadline for Nominations: Sept. 9
AWB’s Environmental Excellence Awards will be presented Oct. 19. Deadline for nominations: Sept. 9. For nomination forms, visit www.envsummit.com. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

Learn About the State’s New Law on Sexual Orientation and How it Will Affect Your Business
The Washington State Human Rights Commission will host a forum about the state’s new sexual orientation law, July 27, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., at the Silverdale Community Center. Contact Tanya Calahan at (360) 753-4876 or (800) 233-3247. 

Next Washington Business Weekly Will Focus on Education and Death Tax – On the Air and Online at www.awb.org  
We’ll discuss employer involvement in education in addition to an update on the campaign to end the state death tax on the next Washington Business Weekly, Thursday on Tacoma’s KLAY-AM 1180, 11 a.m.-12 noon and Spokane’s KSBN-AM 1230, 5-6 p.m.

Candidate Interviews Coming in August and September – Members are Welcome to Participate
In August and September, AWB will conduct candidate interviews around the state. Members are encouraged to participate. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org, or Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Reduce Your Risk of Costly Fines and Penalties of Non-Compliance!
Learn all you need to know about OSHA at the OSHA 10-hour certification course, Sept. 13-14, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Standard fee is $149, but AWB CompWise members get a discounted fee of $119. Register online at www.awb.org/events/seminars/osha10hrcert.asp. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.