Maryland Fair Share Bill Takes it on the Chin in Federal Court…AGAIN
Remember the nationwide push last year by the unions to pass “Fair Share Health Care Legislation?” Last week the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals reaffirmed a lower court decision saying the Maryland version of the bill violated the federal ERISA law - the law insuring employer benefits are the same from state to state. The Maryland court case is the litmus test for more than 30 state legislatures, including Washington, considering “Fair Share Bills.” 

Governor Rolls Out Washington Business Plan
Late last week, Gov. Gregoire rolled out her business plan for Washington, called The Next Washington.  It encourages growth in the biotech, tourism, telecom and education. Go to www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=440&newsType=1.

Bill Would Radically Expand Definition of Disability
Keep an eye out for SB 5340. This measure would overturn the State Supreme Court’s McClarty v. Totem Electric decision by rewriting state law against discrimination. Unfortunately, this bill’s definition of disability is so expansive that it could include baldness or individuals who wear eyeglasses. Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

AWB Urges Congress to Restore Full Transportation Funding
AWB has asked Washington’s Congressional delegation to support restoring full transportation funding for our state’s highways, transit systems and safety projects. According to AWB President Don Brunell, Washington loses $56.4 million in federal funding collected from the federal portion of the gas tax if Congress does not act by Feb. 15.

Measure to Fund Rail-Highway Improvements Through Tax on Shipping Containers Introduced in Legislature
A new bill (SB 5207) would establish and fund freight congestion relief of rail systems and state highways through a fee on the processing of shipping containers. AWB is concerned that this fee may discourage shipping in Washington. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Legislative Day in Olympia on Feb. 7 – Plan to Sponsor and Attend!  
This year, our annual Legislative Day is Feb. 7 at the Red Lion in Olympia, starting 9 a.m., with a legislative program featuring panels on taxes and budget, human resources and health care.  Gov. Gregoire will speak at lunch and help present our Better Workplace Awards. Our Board will meet later that afternoon. Please support this great event. To register or to become a sponsor, see www.awb.org/events/legreception.asp. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org. 

Speaker Chopp and Majority Leader Brown at Lobby Lunch - Jan. 25
Speaker of the House Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, and Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, will speak at Lobby Lunch, Jan. 25, 12 noon, at AWB. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@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.  The first interviews are with Tom Fitzsimmons, Gov. Gregoire’s chief of staff; Victor Moore, OFM director; and Marty Brown, the governor’s chief lobbyist.

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