Senate Kills Permanent Estate Tax Repeal – Cantwell and Murray Vote to Bring Back Death Tax in 2010
AWB is disappointed that the U.S. Senate has voted against H.R. 8, which would have permanently repealed the federal estate tax. Unfortunately, both Sen. Cantwell and Murray voted against this important bill. Without this legislation’s passage, the federal death tax will return in 2010. Note: We have sent our members petitions for Initiative 920, which would repeal the state death tax. Please sign it and get as many other valid signatures as you possibly can in order to get this initiative on the November ballot.

 

Judge Strikes Down Hanford Initiative 297 – Says It Interferes With Federal Authority A federal judge has struck down Initiative 297, approved by voters in 2004, which barred the federal government from sending radioactive waste to Hanford until all existing waste was cleaned up. The judge ruled that I-297, which was opposed by AWB, violates the federal government's authority over nuclear waste.

 

Legislative Voting Record Approved – Coming in Next Washington Business Magazine
AWB’s Board approved our legislative voting record.  It will be published in the next issue of Washington Business magazine. It is a great reference tool that you’ll want to consult when you vote in November.

 

Energy Site Evaluation to be Discussed at Energy Committee Meeting – June 13
AWB’s Energy Committee is meeting June 13, 9 a.m.-11:00 a.m. in AWB’s Large Conference Room. Jim Luce, chair of the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC), will talk to the committee. We will also review our legislative objectives – Electric Energy Policy and Oil and Gas Policy – for the 2007 legislative session. Contact Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or at ChrisM@awb.org.

 

Find Out How Washington Stacks Up on Liability Laws 
The American Justice Partnership (AJP), of which AWB is a founding member. has produced a comprehensive matrix of Washington’s liability laws. Check it out at www.AmericanJusticePartnership.org.  It is worth reading.

 

Electronic Waste Rulemaking Has Begun – Public Comment Will Begin on July 19
The Dept. of Ecology’s rulemaking to implement electronic waste legislation (SB 6428) has begun. Public comment on the proposed rule is scheduled to begin July 19 with adoption of the final rules in September. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

 

Next Washington Business Weekly Will Focus on Energy
AWB’s Chris McCabe will talk about what’s wrong with Initiative 937, which would mandate alternative energy portfolios, and the Columbia River Irrigators Association’s Daryl Olsen will question the Columbia River Initiative’s failure to recognize hydroelectric dams as an alternative power source on the next Washington Business Weekly, Thursday on Tacoma’s KLAY-AM 1180, 11 a.m.-12 noon; Spokane’s KSBN-AM 1230, 5-6 p.m.; and at www.awb.org.
 

Doing Business in Washington Web site Under Review – Volunteers Needed
Businesses can now use Doing Business in Washington, at www.access.wa.gov/business, to complete requirements with agencies in Washington state. Gov. Gregiore has directed agencies to assist businesses by simplifying and improving required processes. Thirteen state agencies are working together to make it easier for businesses to complete the state's requirements. The goal is to improve customer service by streamlining processes such as licensing, regulatory permitting, taxes, and unemployment insurance. The project team is conducting outreach sessions in cities across the state to gather information directly from businesses about their needs for the Web site. If you are interested in attending one of the business outreach sessions, please contact Joan Stilz at the Department of Community Trade & Economic Development at (360) 725-4173 or JoanS@cted.wa.gov. If you would like general information about the project, contact Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org.

 

OSHA 10-Hour Certification Course – Mark Your Calendars for June 22
Learn all you need to know about OSHA at the OSHA 10-hour certification course, June 22, Downtown Red Lion Hotel, Seattle, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration begins at 6:30a.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 AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

 

Seattle Times’ Dave Postman Now Scheduled for AWB’s Policy Summit - Sept. 20-22
Mark your calendars for Sept. 20-22! The Seattle Times’ Dave Postman is now scheduled to join a session on the influence of blogging on politics with special guests, syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin and Phil Noble, founder of PoliticsOnline. AWB’s Policy Summit will be held at Blaine’s Semiahmoo Resort, Sept. 20-22. William Kristol, editor of The Weekly Standard, and Gov. Gregoire will also be there. Sponsors will have an added bonus of a private reception and book signing with keynote speaker Kristol. To register or sponsor, visit www.policysummit.com. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

 

Famed Mountain Climber Jim Whitaker to be Keynote Speaker at Northwest Environmental Summit
AWB’s annual Northwest Environmental Summit and Trade Show is scheduled for Oct. 18-19 at the Tacoma Convention Center. Famed mountaineer Jim Whitaker will be the keynote speaker. To register and learn more, visit www.envsummit.com. Interested in sponsoring or becoming a tradeshow exhibitor? Contact Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org. Secure your sponsorship by June 13 to be listed in the promotional brochure!