L&I Modifies Rule to Protect Outdoor Workers in Hot Summer Sun
The Dept. of Labor & Industries wisely modified an existing rule pertaining to extreme heat in order to protect workers during the upcoming summer months. AWB led a three-month effort to help convince L&I to develop an education and training program rather than adopt a previously proposed rule that would have been costly for employers.  Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Workers’ Compensation Employer Reporting Project Getting Closer
L&I is developing the Employer Reporting Pilot Program, established by SHB 2537 in the 2006 legislative session. About 500 large, medium, and small employers will be sought to take part in a pilot where employees report injuries to the employer and the employer reports to L&I, which modifies the current system of reporting injuries only through the physician. Interested in being part of the pilot or want more information? Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org. 

AWB Executive Committee Meeting – Focus on Competitiveness, Legislative Agenda and Initiatives
Last week, AWB’s Executive Committee conducted its annual two-day planning meeting. A direction was set for our competitiveness efforts with Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy (WashACE) to include the 2006 elections and 2007 legislative session, the regional board meetings were moved from November to September, and initiatives which may be on the November ballot were discussed. Many of these issues will be forwarded to the Board on May 24 for final action.

L&I Employment Law Advisory Committee Meets – Many New Issues Under Consideration
Last week, L&I’s Employment Law Advisory Committee met to discuss developments from the 2006 legislative session such as administrative remedies for wage payment violations, family leave, and application of the Minimum Wage Act to on-call and resident employees.  Also on the agenda for future discussion are child labor regulations and drive/commute time regulations. Contact Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

WASL is the Law This Year – You Can Help Your Child Get a High Score
Students in elementary and middle schools will take the Washington Assessment of Student Learning during the next three weeks, while 10th graders finished up last week.  How can you help your child with the test?  Check out www.wasl2006.com, an online resource center that is a joint project of OSPI, Partnership for Learning, Washington State PTA, and the Association of Washington School Principals.  Sophomore WASL scores will be released by early June, while all other grades will be released in late August.

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 4th Ave Ste 3300, Seattle. Recommendation on Initiative 920 to repeal the state death tax will be made. I-920 may be viewed at www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/initiatives/text/i920.pdf. The status of the spending limits lawsuit led by the Washington State Farm Bureau will be reviewed and a request for AWB’s involvement will be considered.  Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Next Transportation Committee Meeting Will Look at Initiative 917
AWB’s Transportation Committee is meeting April 28, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Associated General Contractors office, West Conference Room, 2nd floor, 1200 Westlake Ave N, Seattle. The purpose of the meeting is to review and make a recommendation on Initiative 917.  I-917 would cap motor vehicle registration charges at $30 per year, repeal taxes and fees exceeding the $30 limit, calculate vehicle taxes and fees based on purchase price, and retire certain bonds. The text of Initiative 917 may be viewed at www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/initiatives/text/i917.pdf.  The committee will also develop a work plan for the summer and fall.  The meeting is available by conference call. Contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Next Washington Business Weekly – 11a.m.-12 p.m., Thursday, KLAY 1180 AM and at www.awb.org
Clyde Gillespie of Kinross Gold USA will discuss how Washington’s permitting system is discouraging growth, and John Vicklund, president of WA Manufacturing Services, will focus on our state’s manufacturing sector.

Washington Business Magazine Going to Press - Watch for Judicial Scorecard
The May issue of Washington Business is going to press next week. It is our tourism issue. Look for a feature on the new Lewis and Clark National and State Historic Park, our nation’s newest park, along with an article on tourism’s value to Washington’s economy.

China President Visits Microsoft and Boeing - Cements Relations with Washington’s Businesses
China President Hu Jintao's visit to Seattle last week was a real coup for our state. He toured Microsoft and Boeing before traveling on to Washington, D.C.  Microsoft founder Bill Gates hosted Hu at his home for dinner. Washington did well and hopefully his visit will cement additional sales for our state’s businesses and tightening of that country’s rules on intellectual properties. 

China Looking for Oil
President Bush was right when he called China’s growing demand for oil one reason for rising prices. With the price of crude consistently above $70 a barrel and heading for $80, the law of supply and demand is to blame. (One barrel of crude, when refined, yields 19.5 gallons of gasoline.) Today, America imports 60 percent of our crude. In 2004, China used 6.5 million barrels of oil a day and overtook Japan as the world's second largest user of petroleum products. The largest, the United States, consumes about 20 million barrels a day. Growth in the Chinese automobile market is causing a surge in oil imports. The U.S. Energy Department estimates China’s demands will more than double to 14.2 million barrels a day by 2025. More than two-thirds of that will be imported from countries from which the U.S. currently buys or are potentially hostile. For example, China is investing billions in Iran. Sinopec, the state-owned oil company, signed a $70 billion deal in 2004 to develop the Yadavaran oil field which is projected to produce 300,000 barrels a day.

Spring Board Meeting in Spokane on May 23-24 – Board Nominations Being Accepted
AWB’s annual Spring Board Meeting will be held at Spokane’s Davenport Hotel, May 23-24.  This is an event you don’t want to miss. At the dinner on May 23, Pat and Susan Dunn will be presented the Bruce Briggs Award for community service, and former Washington State Senate Republican Leader Jeannette Hayner will receive the C. David Gordon Award. At the May 24 Board meeting, Washington Health Authority Executive Director Steve Hill will speak about the governor’s health care initiatives. To register for the dinner, contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

Know someone who should be on AWB’s Board?
Send us that person’s name and contact information by May 19. At the Board meeting, a slate of nominees will be approved by the Board and submitted to the membership, who will make the final choice.  For more information on nominations, contact AWB’s Dick Walter at (360) 943-1600 or DickW@awb.org.

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

Washington Policy Center Health Care Conference – 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.

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 AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

Health Savings Accounts Can Save Money for Washington Taxpayers - See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.

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