AWB supports many initiatives in Gov. Gregoire’s $29.94 billion two-year proposed budget, but is concerned that it spends too much and leaves too little in reserve. AWB endorses the governor’s call for a constitutionally-protected rainy day fund, her plan to eliminate the “gain sharing” pension enhancement, and the budget’s emphasis on improving math and science education and increasing access to high demand programs in our colleges and universities. Unfortunately, under this spending plan, the governor’s budget office shows the state facing a $650 million deficit by the end of the next budget cycle. “The state cannot afford to spend more than it’s taking in,” said AWB President Don Brunell. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

 

Gov. Gregoire announced her support for a constitutionally-protected rainy day fund. Her proposal is similar in many respects to the one advanced by Sen. Joe Zarelli, R-Ridgefield. She proposes setting aside $262 million in the next biennium. With a $1.9 billion state revenue surplus going into the next budget cycle, that is good news. Contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

 

Communications Vice President Dick Davis has developed AWB’s blog: http://awbblog.typepad.com/olympia_business_watch. You can access it through our Web site: http://www.awb.org/. It is well written and to the point. Try it, you’ll like it!

 

One of the major recommendations from the Washington Learns commission report was that no student should be left behind in math and science learning. Gov. Gregoire’s plan to give a $10,000 bonus to math and science teachers who pass their national certification is a step in the right direction. The governor also told our Executive Committee the state needs 750 additional science and math teachers who are qualified to teach both subjects. There is much more to Washington Learns, and we will keep you posted on our Web site. Contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.

 

At AWB’s prompting, the Dept. of Revenue submitted requested legislation to Gov. Gregoire on our R&D policy objective to restore the R&D tax incentive calculation to the amount and form originally approved by the Legislature in order to attract and preserve jobs for Washington’s citizens.The governor has given her approval of this bill.This now marks the fourth AWB policy objective in the tax area that will either be agency or governor request legislation. Contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

 

If your company (or another manufacturer you know or do business with) has made great strides this past year to improve its performance, we invite you to enter the AWB Manufacturer of the Year Awards Program. The awards will be presented at AWB’s Legislative Luncheon/Reception on Feb. 7.All nominations must be received by Jan. 15. Learn more at www.awb.org/services/awards/csaawards.asp. Contact AWB’s Mike Hudson at (360) 943-1600 or MikeH@awb.org.

 

 Better Workplace Awards – Send Nominations by Jan. 5
AWB’s Better Workplace Awards honor companies with exemplary records in workplace safety, job training and advancement programs, and innovative benefit/compensation programs. Submit nominations by Jan. 5 to www.awb.org/services/awards/bwa/index.asp. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

 

 AWB’s Legislative Day is packed full of activities with the governor speaking at lunch and capped off by our traditional reception. Don’t miss it. See www.awb.org/events/legreception.asp. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

 

Data Protection on Next Washington Business Weekly – On the Air and Online at http://www.awb.org/
We will talk about how your business can protect its data, and give you the run down on the savings you can have by using AWB’s freight program. Listen Thursday on Tacoma’s KLAY-AM 1180, 11a.m.-12 noon, and on Spokane’s KSBN-AM 1230, 5-6 p.m.

 

Emergency Planning & Disaster Management – Is Your Business Prepared?
Attend our one-day seminar on January 31 and learn to prepare and apply a survival plan for any type of disaster. For more information, please visit www.awb.org/events/seminars/emergencyplanning.asp. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

 

The Story of Three Wise Women – See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org