Governor argues strongly in favor of rainy day fund—Vote yes on 8206!
A message from Gov. Gregoire: “As Governor, I want to make sure that our state is prepared in case of an emergency. Every day, families are encouraged to save for a ‘rainy day.’ On Nov. 6, we have the opportunity to ensure that our state government does the same. If passed, Constitutional Amendment 8206 would create a permanent “Budget Stabilization Account” (a.k.a. ‘Rainy Day Fund’) for Washington state by requiring the Legislature to set aside money every year. This amendment was placed on the ballot with strong bipartisan support from the Legislature. It is a responsible measure that protects Washington’s future. Why do we need a Rainy Day Fund? Approving 8206 will ensure that Washington has the money to help deal with a crisis like an earthquake or a severe downturn in the economy without raising taxes. Right now, Washington’s economy is in good shape. This is exactly the time to start saving for bad times in the future. Other states have emergency reserve funds, and it is time Washington started saving for the future. Please join me in voting to APPROVE 8206, the ‘Budget Stabilization Account.’” Good advice!

Washington Research Council on impact of R-67
The Washington Research Council just completed a report on the impact of Referendum 67, the referendum that, among other things, implements punitive damages in lawsuits. This means that means three times the amount of the settlement could be slapped on. Before you vote, read the WRC report at www.researchcouncil.org.

Electronic product recycling rules take effect next week
The Washington State Department of Ecology’s new rules regulating electronic waste take effect on Nov. 5. Under the rules, manufacturers of computers, laptops, portable computers, televisions and monitors are prohibited from selling their products in Washington unless costs related to the collection, transportation and recycling of their products are embedded and invisible to the consumer. The rules include requirements that electronics manufacturers implement an electronic product recycling plan and meet specific performance standards for recycling. Members can download a copy of the rules at www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/0707042.pdf. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Meeting with Gov. Gregoire—We need your input!
AWB President Don Brunell will meet one-on-one with Gov. Chris Gregoire on Nov. 28. If you have any input on what he should discuss with her, please let us know. Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

Machinery and equipment study
AWB contracted Dr. John Urbanchuk to look at the benefits of the manufacturing machinery and equipment and R&D sales tax exemptions. Urbanchuk did the original study in 1994 and a follow-up about eight years ago. With the unions pushing for legislation to force manufacturers to repay the sales tax exemption if they counter union organizing campaigns, we are getting ahead of the game with this study. Want more details or to help fund the effort? Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

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: International Investors Acquire PSE and U.S. Solicitor General Urges Supreme Court to Hear Calif. Union “Neutrality” Case. To see these and other posts, check out Olympia Business Watch at www.olympiabusinesswatch.com.

AWB working on Puget Sound Partnership agenda
AWB will continue the work of last year’s Environmental Affairs Council and Puget Sound Partnership Subcommittee, which worked to negotiate ESSB 5372 creating the PSP. As the PSP begins its work on the 2020 Action Agenda (due Sept. 1, 2008) we will use this AWB process to establish a business caucus to work with and deliver the business community’s priorities to the Legislature, the Leadership Council, the executive director and the Ecosystem Coordination Board. We will work closely with the business community’s two representatives on the ECB: Sam Anderson, executive director of the Master Builder’s Association of King and Snohomish Counties; and Bill Dewey of Taylor Shellfish Co.. The 2020 Action Agenda will include water quality, water resources, land use, toxics, air quality, climate change and other related issues. Interested in joining the AWB PSP subcommittee? Contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org.

CTED is updating administrative rules
The Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development is in the scoping phase of a two-year project to review and update the administrative rules implementing the Growth Management Act. This phase will continue through December. Local governments use these rules to help clarify and interpret the GMA. This project will review and update WAC 365-190 (Minimum Guidelines to Classify Forest, Mineral and Agricultural Resource Lands and Critical Areas). It will also review the 365-195-010-865 (Procedural Criteria for Adoption of Comprehensive Plans and Development Regulations). To stay informed about the project, visit: http://www.cted.wa.gov/site/1043/default.aspx or http://listserv.wa.gov/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=GMA-WAC&A=1. You may also take a survey designed to give CTED feedback on how it can improve administrative rules at www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=gHoJKiMr4YJbdvNFSFX_2bEg_3d_3d. Contact Dave Andersen at (360) 725-3052 or WACUpdate@cted.wa.gov.

Workers’ Comp Coalition meeting cancelled—Next meeting Nov. 5
The workers’ comp coalition meeting, previously set for Oct. 30 at AWB, was cancelled due to a scheduling conflict. The next coalition meeting will take place on Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at AWB. We’ll provide snacks during the lunch hour. Our sincere apologies for any inconvenience or disruption this rescheduling creates. As always, we will have call-in available, which you can arrange as we get closer to the meeting date. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Joint Education Committee’s Workforce Training Committee meeting Oct. 30
AWB’s board of directors recently revised its legislative objectives for education and workforce training with an emphasis on vocational education and basic skills from the K-12 system for workforce and college readiness. We will hold a special meeting to address these issues as a joint effort between the AWB Education Committee and Workforce Training Committee. Attending will be John Aultman of the Career and College Readiness Division of OSPI, and David Harrison, chairman of the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board. The meeting will be held on Oct. 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at AWB. Contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

AWB wage and hour law seminar coming Nov. 8
Unfortunately, even minor mistakes or small misinterpretations of the FLSA's wage and hour laws can lead to major problems. When it comes to something as important as employee wages, you know you can't make assumptions and hope you're right. Don’t miss this seminar! Register at www.awb.org/events/wage.asp. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or Jenniferc@awb.org.

Ecology accepting pre-applications for Columbia Basin water management grants
The Washington State Department of Ecology is accepting pre-applications for Columbia River Basin Water Management Grants. The grants will fund a variety of conservation and storage projects, including surface storage, aquifer storage, pump exchange project feasibility studies, operations and maintenance, and conservation infrastructure. Pre-applications are due by Nov. 30. Send pre-applications directly to DOE or submit them through your local conservation districts. Successful pre-applicants may submit an application in March 2008. DOE will award the grants in July 2009. Contact Al Josephy at (360) 407-6456 or AJos461@ecy.wa.gov.

Attention retailers: Destination-based sales tax workshop coming to a location near you
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 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. All workshops are 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Dates and locations: Oct. 30, Tukwila; Nov. 6, Yakima; Dec. 5, Olympia.

Unclaimed property reports due Nov. 1
Unclaimed property reports are due by Nov. 1st. Washington will accept electronic reports in the NAUPA format. The Washington State Department of Revenue provides free reporting software to create your NAUPA-formatted file. DOR’s secure application allows you to submit your file to its office online. Go to http://ucp.dor.wa.gov/holderContent.aspx to download the free software and to learn more about filing online. If you have questions, contact DOR at (360) 570-3264 or UCP@dor.wa.gov.