Mental Health Parity Approved by Senate – Insurance Premiums Could Rise by 6 Percent
EHB 1460, the mental health parity bill, has been passed by the Senate, 41-5, and is on its way to the governor for her signature. This bill is an extension of the bill that passed a couple of years ago – the previous bill applied to businesses with 50+ employees – and this bill expands that to individuals and small businesses. Insurance companies estimate that this new mandate for the individual and small group markets could add up to 6% to premium costs. Contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.

Paid Family Leave Bill Now in the House – Urge Your Representatives to Say No
SB 5659, which would mandate paid family leave, is now in the House. Despite AWB’s opposition, it is about to be passed out of committee. This bill would allow five weeks of paid family leave – a costly program that would be financed by even small employers. AWB wants to prevent this bill from being passed in the House. Help AWB stop SB 5659 by telling your state representatives that you oppose this burdensome measure. Contact AWB's Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

Governor Signs Streamlined Sales Tax Measure into Law
This week Gov. Gregoire signed SB 5089, which brings Washington's tax structure in line with the streamlined sales and use tax agreement, into law. AWB has long supported this measure and is pleased that the governor approved this bill. The change in tax structure will apply only to merchandise that is sold in one tax jurisdiction and delivered to another. It will require all retailers who deliver merchandise to collect sales tax based on the point of delivery, rather than the point of sale. Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

Same Day Voter Registration Bill Invites Vote Fraud
With all the problems with elections and voting in this state, you’d think the Legislature would be working to make the process more secure. Unfortunately, SB 5561, now in the House, would do the opposite by allowing people to vote the same day they register with NO waiting period whatsoever. Imagine the opportunities for vote fraud! Contact AWB’s Alex Sheldon at (360) 943-1600 or AlexandraS@awb.org.

Governor’s Initiative – Not Heavy Handed Senate Bill – is the Way to Go on Climate Change
AWB supports the governor’s initiative to reduce climate change, which includes a heavy emphasis on carefully taking the views of stakeholders into account before embarking on policies that could have very far reaching effects on the economy. We do not, however, support SB 6001, which would mandate greenhouse emission level standards to address climate change without stakeholder input. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

So-Called “Insurance Fair Conduct Act” Would Encourage Frivolous Lawsuits
SB 5726, known as the “Insurance Fair Conduct Act,” would prohibit insurance companies from unreasonably or negligently denying a claim for coverage or payment of benefits to an insured. A plaintiff successfully proving a violation through a legal challenge may be awarded up to three times the original claim amount plus legal expenses. AWB opposes this measure because it would encourage frivolous lawsuits against insurers. Contact Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org. 

Good Health Care Bill Passes Out of Senate – Don’t Spoil it by Removing its Substance
SB 5930 seeks to implement the recent recommendations of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on affordable, high-quality health care. The bill is now in the House and is about to be passed out of committee. AWB supports this bill as it currently stands. We are, however, concerned that the core of the bill that will help small employers find affordable health care products will be removed by the House Health Care and Wellness Committee. Tell your representatives that you support the bill as it is and don’t want the portions that help small business changed or removed. Contact AWB’s Mellani McAleenan at (360) 943-1600 or MellaniM@awb.org.

Maury Island Aquatic Reserve Bill Would Drive Up Construction Costs
SSB 6011 would create a Maury Island Aquatic Reserve and prohibit Glacier Northwest’s proposed barge transportation dock on the island. AWB opposes this measure for a variety of reasons, including the fact that the bill would increase construction costs for the regions public works. This increase would force the dock for the Maury Island mine out of business. With the dock, the region would benefit from the equivalent of 200 to 400 truck haul trips with one to two barges a day. Without the dock, sand and gravel would have to be transported by truck from much farther distances over already congested highways. Please help AWB by urging the members of the House Puget Sound Committee to oppose this counterproductive measure. Contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

AWB Opposes Bill That Would Redefine Wages in Workers’ Comp Cases
HB 1244, which would define wages as it pertains to industrial health insurance, is now in the Senate. In order to calculate compensatory benefits to an injured worker, wages would include the value of health care, housing and other similar considerations. This measure would be particularly damaging to retail grocers, and AWB opposes it. Contact AWB's Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org. 

Lobby Lunch – March 29, 12 noon-1 p.m.
Contact AWB's Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

Washington Business Weekly – On the Air and Online at www.awb.org  
Listen Thursday on Tacoma’s KLAY-AM 1180 (11 a.m.-12 noon) and Spokane's KSBN-AM 1230 (5-6 p.m.)

2007 Compensation Data Survey
Your chance to receive Compensation Data – Pacific Northwest, the largest pay and benefits survey in the state, for the low participant rate of $349 will soon be gone! Sign up to participate in the survey, and save more than $500 off the non-participant price. But you must act now! The deadline to submit data is May 11. Make sure to use promo code AWB when placing your order to receive your full discount. For more information, call Compdata Surveys at (800) 300-9570 or visit www.compdatasurveys.com.

Have Your Company’s Contribution to Community Service Recognized!
AWB’s Community Service Awards will be presented at a special dinner held in conjunction with AWB’s Annual Spring Board Meeting in Spokane on May 22. Submit your applications before Friday, April 20 at www.awb.org/services/awards/csaawards.asp. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 JenniferC@awb.org.

Have Your Company Showcased at the Premier Environmental Summit of the Northwest!
The Northwest Environmental Summit is scheduled for Oct. 17-18, 2007 at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. The Summit is a prime opportunity for your company to gain visibility in front of a targeted audience of environmental professionals, managers, agency heads and policy- makers. To become a sponsor, visit www.envsummit.com or contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

NASA Says the Sun Plays Big Role in Climate Change - See This Week's President's Perspective at www.awb.org