Election 2007: There’s good news and there’s bad news
Washington voters made a wise choice when they instituted a rainy day fund by approving Senate Joint Resolution 8206. Unfortunately, voters also increased their own insurance rates by passing the trial-lawyer-created Referendum 67, which will encourage frivolous lawsuits. Voters also rejected a measure to allow simple majority passage of public school levies, supported expanding prison labor programs and passed Initiative 960, which requires a two-thirds majority vote for future tax increases. In addition, Pierce, King and Snohomish county voters rejected Proposition 1, an enormous roads and transit package. For more on the election, see AWB’s Olympia Business Watch at www.olympiabusinesswatch.com.

Supreme Court invalidates Initiative 747
The Washington Supreme Court has declared Initiative 747—a measure designed to hold down property taxes— unconstitutional by a 5-4 margin. I-747 got into trouble because it appeared to reduce the property tax limit from 2 percent to 1 percent. The 2-percent cap had been imposed by Initiative 722, which the court ruled unconstitutional after I-747 had been filed and signatures had been submitted. With I-722 off the books, the effect of I-747 was to reduce the tax cap from 6 percent to 1 percent. For more on this ruling, see AWB’s Olympia Business Watch at www.olympiabusinesswatch.com.

Gregoire and Rossi running neck-and-neck in gubernatorial poll
We may be in for a close gubernatorial race next year. The Kitsap Business Journal just published the results of a Strategic Vision poll, which pegs Republican Dino Rossi’s support at 45 percent and incumbent Gov. Chris Gregoire at 47 percent. Gregoire has yet to announce a re-election campaign, but is widely expected to run for a second term. The poll also found that 64 percent of Washingtonians believe the state is moving in the wrong direction. The poll surveyed 800 voters with a 3-percent margin of error.

Don’t miss Olympia Business Watch
Olympia Business Watch is AWB’s blog reviewing the news and events shaping business and politics. Recent posts by AWB’s Communications and Government Affairs staff include: I-747 and Pro-Tem Judges, Electricity Demand to Grow by 40 Percent by 2030, Rating the Candidates’ Health Care Plans, Words of Wisdom from the Legendary Willie L. Brown, and Smoking for the Kids. To see these and other posts, check out Olympia Business Watch at www.olympiabusinesswatch.com.  

Manufacturers must renew covered electronic products annual registration
It’s time for manufacturers of covered electronic products (CEPs) to renew their annual registration in Washington. To continue to sell covered electronic products in Washington, manufacturers must do the following: Submit an annual manufacturer registration form to Washington State Department of Ecology; pay applicable administrative fees, if any; label CEPs with brand names included in the registration form; and participate in a recycling plan approved by or submitted for approval to the Department of Ecology. To renew your registration go to https://secureaccess.wa.gov/index.html. Your registration renewal must reach the Department of Ecology by Jan. 1, 2008. After review and approval of the registration, the Department of Ecology will include your company's name and brand names on the "Manufacturer Registration List for the Electronic Product Recycling Program" posted on the agency’s Web site at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/epr. For more information, go to www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/eproductrecycle/. For questions or assistance with the registration process, please call (360) 407-6999 or e-mail math461@ecy.wa.gov.

AWB, labor and L&I to discuss outdoor heat stress rule
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries is developing a permanent outdoor heat stress rule. L&I will file the proposed rule (CR102) in early 2008 for public comment. On Nov. 14, AWB will meet with L&I and labor representatives to discuss key concerns related to the heat stress rule and the next steps in the rule development process. The meeting is at Comfort Inn in Tumwater from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. A conference call is also available. For more information, visit www.lni.wa.gov/safety/topics/AtoZ/heatstress  or contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Ecology Director Jay Manning talks about climate change on AWB-TV
AWB is now broadcasting original videos on YouTube! These videos give background on AWB and provide insight on legislation and issues that matter to Washington’s businesses. In our most recent video, Washington State Department of Ecology Director Jay Manning discusses the state’s response to climate change with AWB’s Richard Davis. Watch this two-part feature at www.youtube.com/user/AWBorg.

Attention retailers: Please fill out DOR’s survey
The Washington State Department of Revenue has a very brief survey on destination-based sales tax implementation. Please take a moment to fill it out at survey.dor.wa.gov. Thanks.

Puget Sound Partnership subcommittee meeting rescheduled for Nov. 28
AWB’s Puget Sound Partnership subcommittee meeting, originally scheduled for Nov. 20, has been rescheduled for Nov. 28, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at AWB. David Dicks, executive director of the Puget Sound Partnership, will speak. For more information, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org. 

Learn how tribal sovereignty impacts you and your community
AWB encourages members to attend a workshop to uncover some of the biggest myths surrounding Washington tribes and our Indian people. Co-sponsored by the Washington State Department of Revenue, the Governor's Office of Indian Affairs and AWB, this workshop will explore the meaning of tribal sovereignty and how it impacts you and your community. You will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding tribes and taxes and share information about the tribal activities that are important in your local area. The workshop will be held on Nov. 27, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Red Lion Hotel, 221 N Lincoln St, Port Angeles, Wash. Keep an eye out for information on future workshops in Bellingham, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver and Yakima. To register, click here or call (800) 647-7706. 

Employment Law Seminar: Hiring, managing and discharging employees
This one-day seminar on Dec. 4 is a powerful tool that will help inform your key personnel on how to avoid legal traps and provide a solid understanding of changing laws and regulations in the employment area. For a full agenda, go to www.awb.org/events/seminars/employmentaw.asp  or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org. 

Workforce questions answered at Economic Development Leaders Conference
Mark Peters, president and CEO of Butterball Farms, will be one of the featured speakers at this year’s Workforce and Economic Development Leaders Conference (Nov. 14-15 at the Tacoma Convention Center). Peters’ session describes a partnership of 16 Michigan employers who created and sustain The SOURCE —Southwest Organizations Unifying Resources for Community and Employees. The SOURCE is a collaborative effort between private businesses, local non-profit agencies, and the state and county public welfare departments. The companies utilize The SOURCE in retention of their workforce and partner to offer training leading to higher productivity and advancement. You may register for the conference at: www.wtb.wa.gov

Better Workplace Awards nominations due by Jan. 4
AWB’s Better Workplace Awards honor companies that have taken extra steps to create a better working environment in the areas of workplace safety, job training and advancement programs, and innovative benefit and compensation programs. Have your company recognized for its accomplishments! Submit your nominations by Jan. 4, 2008, to www.awb.org/services/awards/bwa/index.asp. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org

Attention retailers: Destination-based sales tax workshop coming to Olympia on Dec. 6
On July 1, 2008, Washington will change the way retailers who deliver goods to customers within Washington state collect sales tax. At a free, two-hour workshop (10 a.m.-12 p.m., Dec. 6, Olympia) presented by the Washington State Department of Revenue, you’ll learn all about destination-based sales tax. Get more information or register by going to http://dor.wa.gov  and clicking on “Workshops and Education” or by calling (800) 647-7706. Hurry, because seating is limited.

Space Race with an Asian Flair? - See This Week's President's Perspective at www.awb.org.