AWB Testifies in Support of Constitutionally Protected Rainy Day Fund
Sen. Joseph Zarelli, R-Ridgefield, has introduced SJR 8200, which would amend the state Constitution to establish a rainy day reserve fund. Each fiscal year, a minimum of 1 percent of general state revenues would be deposited in the fund. Moneys would be appropriated from the fund by a 60 percent majority vote of both houses of the Legislature. This is a very positive measure that AWB strongly supports. Already, AWB testified in favor of a rainy day fund at a House Appropriations Committee hearing last week. AWB President Don Brunell submitted on the need for a rainy day fund to the committee. You may read his letter at this link
Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

 

AWB’s Legislative Day in Olympia and Board Meeting Coming Feb. 7 – Register Now!
AWB's Legislative Day in Olympia is coming to the Red Lion, Olympia, on Feb. 7. Gov. Chris Gregoire will attend this year’s event and speak to attendees about her agenda this legislative session. Don’t miss this key event to learn about major legislation affecting the business community. To register, see www.awb.org/events/legreception.asp. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

 

HB 1451 Would Modify B&O Tax Rate for Temporary Staffing Agencies – Hearing, Jan. 31
HB 1451, introduced by Rep. Mark Ericks, D-Bothell, would modify the business and occupation tax rate for temporary staffing agencies. The new rate would be calculated by using the gross income of the business multiplied by the rate of .484 percent. A public hearing before the House Finance Committee will be held 1:30 p.m., Jan. 31. Members who are interested are encouraged to attend and testify. Contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

 

GOP Leaders Hewitt and DeBolt at Lobby Lunch – Feb. 1
Senate Minority Leader Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, and House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, will speak at Lobby Lunch, Feb. 1, 12 noon, at AWB. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

 

Bill Would Implement Washington Learns Recommendations
HB 1641, introduced by Rep. Joe McDermott, D-Seattle, would implement the recommendations from Washington Learns. Among many other provisions, the bill creates the Early Learning Advisory Council to advise on statewide early learning community needs and progress. This legislation also creates a five-star rating system for child care facilities. HB 1641 has been scheduled for a work session in the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Education at 6:00 p.m. in anticipation of other legislative action. Contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.

 

Lobby Lunch Speakers are Now on the Web
We are now podcasting interviews from Lobby Lunch speakers. Go to www.awb.org and tune in. Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Seattle, is on our latest podcast.

 

AWB Supports New Growth Management Bills
The Growth Management Act was created to strike a balance among planning goals. Unfortunately, the balance has shifted too far in favor of limiting development, both inside and outside of urban growth areas. Two new bills, sponsored by Rep. Deb Eddy, D-Kirkland, would help restore balance to growth management. HB 1752 would amend the process of master planned locations for industrial developments. HB 1753 would revise provisions regarding transportation concurrency and impact fees under the Growth Management Act. AWB will strongly support both of these measures as they make their way through the legislative process. Contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org.

 

Education Committee Meeting – Feb. 2 
AWB’s Education Committee will meet Feb. 2, 9-11 a.m. Contact Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.

 

Paid Family Leave Bill Introduced – AWB Will Strongly Oppose
Paid family leave is back! HB 1658, introduced in the House, and SB 5659, in the Senate, would allow five weeks of leave – a costly program that would be financed by even small employers. AWB opposes these bills and will fight hard to prevent them from becoming law. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

 

Gov. Gregoire on Next Washington Business Weekly – On the Air and Online at www.awb.org  
Gov. Gregoire will discuss her business agenda this Thursday on Tacoma’s KLAY-AM 1180, 11a.m.-12 noon, and on Spokane’s KSBN-AM 1230, 5-6 p.m., and online at www.awb.org.

Learn the Legal Aspects of Interviewing, Hiring, Managing and Discharging Employees – Feb. 28, SeaTac Hilton
Register at www.awb.org/events/seminars/employmentaw.asp. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org