AWB Opposes Deeply Flawed Health Care "Reform" Bill That Would Restrict Health Care Choices
HB 1569 would greatly restrict health care choices in Washington state. AWB testified against this measure last week in the House. This legislation is expected to go to the House floor this week. We will continue to fight for your right to choose a health plan that fits YOUR needs. Contact AWB's Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.

AWB's Legislative Day in Olympia and Board Meeting on Wednesday – Last Chance to Register!
AWB's Legislative Day in Olympia is coming to the Red Lion, Olympia, on Feb. 7. Register at www.awb.org/events/legreception.asp.

Member Alert – Family Leave Bill to Be Heard Tomorrow in House
HB 1658, introduced in the House, and SB 5659, in the Senate, would allow five weeks of paid family leave – a costly program that would be financed by even small employers. HB 1658 will be heard TOMORROW in the House Commerce & Labor Committee at 1 p.m. Members are urged to attend this hearing or call their legislator on the legislative hotline to oppose the bill. We are committed to defeating this costly measure. Contact AWB's Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

AWB Health Care Committee Meeting - Feb. 9, 9-11 a.m. Contact Mellani McAleenan at MellaniM@awb.org

Bill Would Bring Needed Estate Tax Deduction to Family Businesses
Sponsored by Rep. Kelli Linville, D-Bellingham, HB1884 would provide family-owned businesses with a deduction to the estate tax similar to the deduction already enjoyed by family farmers. AWB supports this long overdue legislation. Employers have already left our state due to the estate tax, and more are being advised to leave. It is time to end this drain on our business community. Contact AWB's Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Streamline Sales Tax Committee Meeting - Feb. 12, 11 a.m.-12 noon - Contact Amber Carter at AmberC@awb.org

Wacky Bill of the Week – HB 1355 Would Bring Mental Health Analysis into Environmental Reviews
HB 1355 allows “human health analysis” to factor into environmental reviews when scientific analysis is not certain. “Human health” includes the consideration of physical, mental, economic, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Such subjective factors are completely inappropriate for use in an environmental review. Contact AWB's Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

AWB Transportation Committee Meeting - Feb. 14, 10-11:30 a.m. Contact Amber Carter at AmberC@awb.org

Kohl-Welles, Conway, Clements & Condotta at Lobby Lunch – Feb. 8
The chairs and ranking members of the Senate and House committees on commerce and labor - Sen. Jim Clements, R-Yakima; Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle; Rep. Cary Condotta, R-Wenatchee; Rep. Steve Conway, D-Tacoma; will speak at Lobby Lunch, Feb. 8, 12 noon, at AWB. Contact AWB's Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

AWB Education Committee Meeting - Feb. 16, 9-11 a.m. Contact Mellani McAleenan at MellaniM@awb.org

Lobby Lunch Speakers Hewitt and DeBolt are Now on the Web
We are now podcasting interviews from Lobby Lunch speakers. Go to www.awb.org and tune in. Senate Minority Leader Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, and House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, are now on our latest podcast.