Class of 2008 on Track with WASL Requirements
Nearly 87 percent of next year’s seniors scheduled to graduate in Washington’s class of 2008 have already earned the WASL reading and writing scores they need to graduate. The passage rate among those who have taken the tests tops 95 percent. Among 11th graders, 5,197 passed the reading portion of the WASL the first time they tested and 6,146 passed the writing portion the first time, pushing the overall passage rate to 86.8 percent in reading and 86.7 percent in writing. So far, 61.7 percent of next year’s seniors in the class of 2008 have met standards on the math WASL, which will not become a graduation requirement until 2013. Of those who have taken the math test, 74.3 percent have passed. Bottom line: This is no time to toss out or water down the WASL. Although we need more work in preparing students in math— which the Legislature rightly addressed—these test scores show progress.

L&I Adopts Emergency Outdoor Heat Stress Rule
The Department of Labor and Industries has adopted an emergency outdoor heat stress rule that takes effect June 18. Businesses with two or more employees whose primary work includes outdoor activities in hot weather must have written procedures to protect against and respond to heat-related illness, and must provide training and sufficient water to employees. A copy of the emergency rule, a schedule of upcoming training workshops and other information may be found on L&I's Web site at www.lni.wa.gov or by contacting AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

2006 Was a Very Good Year – Read More at AWB’s Olympia Business Watch Blog
According to the state’s Department of Revenue, retail sales tax collections were very good in 2006. Taxable retail sales increased 9 percent during 2006, the second-largest year-over-year gain in 16 years. Sales totaled $110.5 billion for the year compared to $101.4 billion in 2005, which itself was a 9.3 percent gain over 2004. This was the biggest percentage increase since sales rose 9.8 percent in 1990. Among the largest industry sectors, construction was up 17.8 percent to $21.6 billion. Nevertheless, we still need to be concerned about the budget. Learn more at http://awbblog.typepad.com/olympia_business_watch.

Education Committee Meeting June 12
AWB’s Education Committee will meet June 12, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Conference Center (Bldg K) at Madison Cooke, 1150 114th Avenue Southeast, Bellevue. For more information, contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.

Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee Meeting – June 27, Seattle, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Research Council Celebrates 75 Years, Selects Ralston as New President
The Washington Research Council has selected Al Ralston as its new president, replacing Richard S. Davis, who left the council last year to become AWB’s vice president of communications. The announcement was made June 6 at the WRC’s 75th Annual Dinner. Ralston has served as a public affairs advisor to Boeing senior leadership for more than 20 years and is currently Boeing’s Northwest regional director of government relations. Congratulations, Al! Read more at http://awbblog.typepad.com/olympia_business_watch.

Health Care Policy Conference Coming June 14
Don’t miss the Health Care Policy Conference on June 14, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the SeaTac DoubleTree Hotel. Co-sponsored by AWB, the conference features Dr. Richard Gratzer, author of The Cure: How Capitalism Can Save American Health Care, who will deliver the luncheon keynote address. The cost for the program is $65 per person, which includes breakfast, lunch and all conference panels. A reduced rate of $35 per person is available for the keynote luncheon only, and tables for eight persons may be reserved in advance for $500. Register online at www.washingtonpolicy.org or contact Anna Carroll at (206) 937-9691 or ACarroll@washingtonpolicy.org.

Washington’s Average Annual Wage, Unemployment Benefits Rise
Washington’s average annual wage increased by 5.4 percent to $42,584 from 2005 to 2006, according to the Employment Security Department. The average weekly wage went from $776 in 2005 to $818 in 2006—the largest spike since 1999, when the average wage rose by 8.4 percent. The minimum weekly unemployment benefit, calculated at 15 percent of the average weekly wage, will increase from $116 to $122 starting July 1. The maximum weekly benefit, calculated at 63 percent of the average weekly wage, will increase from $496 to $515. Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, employers will pay unemployment taxes on the first $34,000 paid to each employee, up from $31,400 in 2007. In 2006, about 39 percent of employers in Washington had employees who were making more than $31,400 per year.

Overwhelmed by Shipping Costs? Start Saving Today!
The AWB Freight Savings Program gives small and mid-sized companies the same opportunities to save money on shipping as larger companies. Participants will receive a 74- to 78-percent discount off the carrier’s base rates! For more information, visit www.awb.org/services/freightsavings.asp.

HR Essentials – A Briefing on New Legislation from the 2007 Washington Legislative Session
Don’t miss HR Essentials—a briefing no employer should miss—where you’ll learn about the latest laws and regulations on employment, workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. The briefings will be held in Yakima (June 12), Kennewick (June 12), Spokane (June 13), Moses Lake (June 13), Everett (June 26), Bellevue (June 26) and Vancouver (June 27). Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

Be an AWB Policy Summit Sponsor
AWB’s Policy Summit will be held Sept. 19-21 at Semiahmoo Resort. As a sponsor, your company receives acknowledgement before, during and following the event in marketing materials, signage and in AWB’s magazine, Washington Business. Display opportunities are also available. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

Northwest Environmental Summit Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
The Northwest Environmental Summit (Oct. 17-18, Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center) is a great opportunity for your company to gain visibility in front of environmental professionals, managers, agency heads and policy-makers. To become a sponsor, visit www.envsummit.com or contact Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

Promote Your Company to Other AWB Members!
Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity! AWB’s annual Policy Summit is scheduled for Sept. 19-21 at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine. Every year, we provide goodies bags to all of our attendees. Give your organization a chance to stand out and make a statement by being a contributing goodie bag sponsor. Contact Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

Governmental Affairs Council Retreat June 20 and 21
Mark your calendars for June 20 and 21 for the Governmental Affairs Council Retreat at the Alderbrook Resort. Register online at www.awb.org/events/gac.asp. Call (800) 622-9370 to reserve rooms. Blocks of rooms for the event have been set aside under AWB’s name. Contact Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

IRS Starts New, Free e-Newsletter for Small Businesses
The Internal Revenue Service is now offering a new online newsletter, e-News for Small Businesses, distributed every Wednesday. The newsletter notifies you of important, upcoming tax dates; plugs you into the newest material on the IRS website; provides reminders and tips to assist businesses with tax compliance; and notifies you about IRS news releases and special IRS announcements. To start your free subscription to e-News, just go to www.irs.gov/businesses/small/content/0,,id=154826,00.html.

Congress Needs to Delve Deeper Into High Gas Prices - See This Week's President's Perspective at www.awb.org