They’re BAAACCKKK! The Legislature Starts Today! Stay Plugged in Thru www.awb.org.
Lawmakers convened their 2006 legislature today. They started a 60-day session with a $1.4 billion surplus and lots of ideas of how to spend it. Stay in touch and remember with AWB’s Web site, three clicks and you are into your legislator’s office.
AFL-CIO Pushing for “Pay or Play” Health care Bills in 30 States Including Washington
Business community look out! The AFL-CIO will run “Pay or Play” legislation in 30 states. Washington’s version would require employers with 5,000 or more employees to spend 9 percent on employee health care or get hit with a state health care tax. All businesses beware – the bill may apply to you next year! It will be heard in the Senate’s Labor, Commerce & Research Development Committee on Jan. 19. AWB urges employers of all sizes to come to this hearing, and tell the committee of the negative effects such legislation will have on the business community. Contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.
L&I’s Small Business Liaison Wants to Hear From You
Last week AWB met with Ron Langley, L&I’s small business liaison. He would like to hear about small businesses’ experiences in dealing with L&I. Send comments to smallbusiness@lni.wa.gov. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.
Dept. of Veterans Affairs on Next Washington Business Weekly
Representatives of the Dept. of Veterans Affairs will discuss how the Veterans Administration assists employers in finding qualified veterans and helping veterans start businesses on the next Washington Business Weekly, 11 a.m.-12 noon, Thursday, on Tacoma’s KLAY 1180 AM. You may also listen at www.awb.org.
E-Waste Legislation to Be Discussed at Jan. 12 Meeting
The PBT Workgroup will meet Jan. 12, 1:30-3 p.m., to discuss and take a position on three e-waste recycling bills. The workgroup’s recommendation will go to the Governmental Affairs Council. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.
Washington Chamber of Commerce Executives/AWB Chamber Day at the Capitol
You are invited to attend Chamber Day at the Capitol, Feb. 1, 9 a.m. on the third floor of the Capitol in Olympia. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.
OSHA 10-Hour Voluntary Compliance Course – Seating is Limited, So Register Now!
AWB’s Legislative Reception and Board Meeting Coming Feb. 8 – Register Now!
AWB's Legislative Reception is coming to Olympia on Feb. 8. Please pledge your support for this great event. To register or to become a sponsor, see www.awb.org/events/legreception.asp. Dan Pero, president of the American Justice Partnership, will meet with AWB’s Board on Feb. 8 in Olympia to talk about legal reform. His presentation is part of the Legislative Reception day activities at the Red Lion in Olympia. Prior to the Board meeting, Gov. Gregoire will speak at the Legislative Luncheon, and Secretary of Transportation Doug MacDonald will speak on transportation priorities during the day program. Contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.
Schedule a Chamber or Service Club Presentation - AWB President Don Brunell Launched Session Outreach Presentations
AWB President Don Brunell launched the 2006 Outreach program last Friday with a presentation to the Lynnwood Rotary Club, and he and Gary Chandler presented a Cornerstone Award at the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce this morning. To schedule a presentation, please contact AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at BonnieM@awb.org or Shannon Garland at ShannonG@awb.org.
Tim Files $30 Car Tab Initiative - Says “Thirty Bucks Means Thirty Bucks!”
Tim Eyman filed an initiative to restore $30 car tabs. Cars now cost an additional $10 because of weight-based surcharges the legislature approved last year. The fees are costlier for vehicles and trucks that weigh more than 4,000 pounds. The new charges are part of an $8.5 billion package of transportation taxes that also increased the cost of plates from $3.50 to $12 and created a $75 annual motor home fee, regardless of weight. That package also includes a gas-tax increase of 9.5 cents, to be imposed over 16 years. In November, voters rejected a ballot measure that repealed the gas-tax increase. It didn't address the other fees, which raise $3 billion.
Smoking Ban – Know Your Responsibilities and Let Us Know if You’d Like to Amend Law
For a good summary of your responsibilities under the smoking ban, see www.awb.org/cgi-bin/absolutenm/templates/?a=1075&z=9.
Please let AWB know if you are interested in amending the smoking ban to clarify the definition of “place of employment.” Contact Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.
Best Practices for the Human Resources File Cabinet Seminar
Learn how to avoid fines, penalties and litigation through adopting "best practices" and maintaining proper employment records. This seminar will be held Feb. 28 at the Red Lion Hotel, SeaTac. Contact Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.
An Interesting Take on the Push for More Biodiesel Production in Washington
Gov. Gregoire and lawmakers from both parties are pushing for more biodiesel production and usage. For an interesting perspective, see Dick Davis’ The News Tribune column at www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/columnists/story/5437147p-4909789c.html.
And Don’t Forget – The U.S. Postal Service Raised Its Rates
On Sunday, January 8, The cost of a first-class stamp went up 2 cents from 37 cents to 39 cents. Other rates rose as well.
State Lawmakers Should Pull the Plug on Gain-Sharing - See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.
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