Donohue, Bergeson, Schurke at AWB Spring Meeting This Week
Don’t miss AWB’s Spring Board meeting in Spokane, coming up May 22-23. This great event is open to all AWB members. Tom Donohue, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will be the keynote speaker on Tuesday evening, and AWB will present their Bruce Briggs and C. David Gordon community service awards. On Wednesday, Dr. Terry Bergeson, Superintendent of Public Instruction, will be the breakfast presenter followed by Judy Schurke, L&I’s new director. Finally, AWB’s governmental affairs staff will present a wrap-up the 2007 legislative session. If you plan to attend, contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or go to www.awb.org/events/MayBoard.asp.

Kitsap County Legislator Was a True Statesman
Sen. Bob Oke, R-Port Orchard, died of cancer last week at age 66. He represented the 26th Legislative District for 16 years. Raised in West Seattle, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, where he served for 26 years reaching the rank of senior chief petty officer. Oke will be long remembered for his work to authorize the construction of a new Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Oke was a committed family man and a dedicated servant to his country and the citizens of Washington. He set an example for us all to follow and will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Union Organizing Legislation Coming Back in 2008
Though HB 1828 and SB 5700 failed to pass in 2007, they remain alive for 2008. Under the twin proposals, aerospace suppliers would lose their tax incentives if they “choose to encourage or discourage unionization.” In reality, the law will penalize companies that oppose union organizing efforts. Whistle blowers would report suspected violations to the state’s Department of Revenue. If violations are found, the agency could demand repayment of the company’s tax incentive. The Department of Revenue could also impose civil penalties and ban the company from applying for the same tax incentive the following year. Worst of all, this provision could apply to more than just the aerospace industry. In years past, union leaders have hinted at a desire to link all state tax incentives with easier access to non-union companies for union organizers.

L&I to File Emergency Heat Stress Rule
L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health will to file an emergency outdoor heat stress rule on June 5. The draft rule, tools to identify heat-related illness and a schedule of statewide workshops are available at www.lni.wa.gov/safety/topics/atoz/heatstress/default.asp. Fore more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Health Care Policy Conference Coming Up 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. Dr. Richard Gratzer, author of The Cure: How Capitalism Can Save American Health Care, will deliver the luncheon keynote address. There will be informative panel discussions—including a review of the 2007 legislative session—and a look ahead at the 2008 session with legislative leaders. Pollster Stuart Elway will discuss public opinion on health care, new medical trends and Medicaid financing and reform. 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.

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.

Revenues On the Rise
The money just keeps rolling into federal and state coffers. According to the state’s Economic and Revenue Forecast Council, federal tax collections total $1.505 trillion so far this year, up 11.2 percent from 2006. That figure includes $383.6 billion collected in April, the largest monthly tax collection on record. Meanwhile, the $1.227 billion collected during the latest one-month period is 7.7 percent above projections. The Department of Revenue has collected $141.1 million more than anticipated for the last two months. Though state tax collections are up in all areas, real estate excise tax revenues have been particularly robust.

State Avoids U.S. Housing Slump
According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research, the state’s median price for homes rose in the first three months of the year to $300,800—up 7.4 percent from the same period in 2006. By contrast, the national median home price declined 1.8 percent in the first quarter.

Input Needed By Department of Ecology on Fluorescent Lamp Recycling Program
The Department of Ecology is considering policy changes to encourage fluorescent lamp recycling and reduce the release of mercury into the environment. The department is seeking input about how businesses handle burned-out fluorescent bulbs and suggestions on ways to make recycling. AWB members are encouraged to complete the brief survey at: www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=55113858915. For more information, contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

American Families Pay More in Taxes
According to the Heartland Institute, Americans paid about $3 trillion in taxes in 2004— about $26,738 per household. Of that amount, $16,338 went to the federal government, leaving $9,400 for state and local governments. 

Register Today for Climate Change Webcast
Marten Law Group is sponsoring a free one-hour webcast on May 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The program will focus on how private and public developers and reviewing agencies can successfully incorporate climate change considerations into land use planning and permitting decisions. Topics covered will include Massachusetts’ new greenhouse gas emissions policy, a summary of recent climate change litigation under NEPA and the California Environmental Quality Act, and the implications for Washington and other states. To register, go to www.martenlaw.com/webcasts/20070523-climate-change.php. For more information, contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

AWB President Available for Chamber Presentations
AWB President Don Brunell is available for presentations to your local chamber of commerce. For more information, contact AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or BonnieM@awb.org.

Forklift Safety: Train the Trainer Workshop on June 6
Proper forklift-safety training will make your company a safer place to work and keep you in compliance with the law. This seminar will teach current licensed operators how to conduct proper safety training for their employees. Don’t miss this half-day seminar! To register, please visit www.awb.org/events/forkliftsafety.asp. For more information, contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.

State’s Unemployment Rate Drops
Washington's unemployment rate dipped to a record 4.4 percent last month, the lowest since comparable record keeping began more than three decades ago. The seasonally adjusted rate was an improvement from the previous month's record low of 4.6 percent.

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 and Spa on Hood Canal. You can register online now at www.awb.org/events/gac.asp. Reserve your room by calling (800) 622-9370; blocks of rooms for the event have been set aside under AWB’s name. For more information, contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

Washington Policy Center’s Transportation Kickoff Luncheon Scheduled for June 25
Join Washington Policy Center as it kicks off its Transportation Policy Center. Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta will be the featured speaker. Mineta will discuss the federal government’s role in transportation, traffic relief and the emergence of the private sector in transportation financing. Be there on June 25 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Seattle. The cost is $35 per person or $250 for tables of eight. Register at www.washingtonpolicy.org/events.html or contact Anna Carroll at (206) 937-9691 or ACarroll@washingtonpolicy.org.