Health Care Issues Looming Large
With Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney vetoing the employer mandate from that state’s new health care requirement, many elected officials are looking for ways to increase the number of insured. During her one-on-one meeting with AWB President Don Brunell last week, Gov. Gregoire made clear that health care is one of her three top agenda items for 2007. She wants AWB to bring the employers into the discussions. AWB is taking a fresh, comprehensive look at health care and the issues influencing it at the federal, state and local levels. Please send us your ideas. Contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.

Dept. of Revenue Plan Now Available
An electronic copy of the Department of Revenue 2006 Legislative Session Implementation Plan for New Laws is now available. The plan identifies the bills that passed into law that require action by DOR and notes if rulemaking or taxpayer notices are necessary.  Please remember that this plan is based on the initial review by DOR of the various laws that passed and changes to the plan can be made.  This plan will be updated and distributed to AWB by the agency periodically over the course of 2006.  If you have specific comments or suggestions on rulemaking or taxpayer services notification for any of the bills listed please let us know. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Workers’ Comp Update 
Following a meeting with some members about workers’ comp, AWB will redirect some of its WashACE program to research and message development for workers’ comp. We will be broadening our efforts to work with a coalition which includes public employers.  Kris Tefft is charged with coordinating AWB’s efforts.  Meanwhile, Dick Davis, Washington Research Council, is coordinating the information gathering and research. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

AWB Land Use Committee to Meet April 18 – Topic: I-933 Property Fairness Initiative
AWB’s Land Use Committee will meet April 18, 9-11 a.m. at AWB to vote on whether AWB should join the coalition in support of the initiative. Contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org.

Next Washington Business Weekly – 10-11 a.m., Thursday, KLAY 1180 AM and at www.awb.org
The Heritage Foundation’s Ben Lieberman will discuss energy policy on the next Washington Business Weekly.

Have Your Company’s Contribution to Community Service Recognized – Deadline for Nominations: April 21
The Community Service Awards will be presented in conjunction with our annual Spring Board Meeting, May 23. Get applications at www.awb.org/about/awards/06CSNomForm.pdf. Contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

Tax & Fiscal Policy Council Meeting on April 27 – Death Tax on Agenda
The next meeting of AWB’s Tax & Fiscal Policy Council is Thursday, April 27, 1-3 p.m. at Deloitte, 925 Fourth Avenue Suite 3300, Seattle. The purpose of the meeting will be to make a recommendation on Initiative 920 to repeal the state death tax.  A copy of I-920 may be viewed at www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/initiatives/text/i920.pdf.  The council will also review the status of the spending limits lawsuit led by the Washington State Farm Bureau and will consider a request for AWB’s involvement. Finally, we will develop our council plan for the summer and fall with an emphasis on our tax appeals reform policy objective. The meeting is available by conference call. Contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Pat and Susan Dunn to Receive Bruce Briggs Award
Pat and Susan Dunn will be presented the Bruce Briggs Award for community service at AWB’s annual Spring Board Meeting in Spokane on May 23. The dinner presentation is at the Davenport Hotel. Pat and Susan have been active in several Olympia and Seattle community service projects. They are truly deserving. On May 24, Washington Health Authority’s Executive Director Steve Hill will speak about the governor’s health care initiatives. AWB also will present its annual Community Service Awards and the C. David Gordon Award to former Washington State Senate Republican Leader Jeannette Hayner. To register for the dinner, contact Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

Do You Know Someone Who Should Be on AWB’s Board?  Nominations are Being Taken – Deadline: May 19 
At AWB’s May 23-24 Board meeting we will choose new Board members. Know someone who should be on AWB’s Board? Send us that person’s name and contact information by May 19. Contact AWB’s Dick Walter at (360) 943-1600 or DickW@awb.org.

Washington Policy Center’s Annual Health Care Conference –Top White House Health Care Adviser to Speak
Co-sponsored by AWB, the Health Care Conference will feature Roy Ramthun, White House health care adviser. The conference will be held June 6, 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Doubletree Hotel, SeaTac. For more info visit www.washingtonpolicy.org, or call (206)937-9691.

Chevron Conservation Awards Nominations for 52nd Annual Conservation Awards
Nominations for Chevron Conservation Awards due May 31. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org. 

Northwest Environmental Summit Sponsorship Opportunities Available! Call Now!
The Northwest Environmental Summit is scheduled for Oct. 18-19 at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. This conference is an exciting opportunity for your company to gain visibility in front of a targeted audience of environmental professionals, agency heads and policy-makers. Visit www.envsummit.com. Contact Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

It’s the Adults Who Need a Good Spanking - See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.

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