Supreme Court Rules Against WEA in Landmark Decision
According to a new ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, states may restrict the use of fees collected by public-employee unions from non-members to support the union’s political agenda. The court issued a unanimous decision in Davenport v. Washington Educational Association, the blockbuster First Amendment case that arose from the paycheck protection provisions of Washington's Initiative 134. Enacted by popular vote in 1992, I-134 endorsed a Washington state law barring unions from using non-member fees for political advocacy without first getting explicit consent. “Unions have no constitutional entitlement to the fees of non-member employees,” Justice Antonin Scalia wrote for the court as it rejected the Washington Education Association's challenge to the law. Read more on the decision at AWB’s Olympia Business Watch blog at http://awbblog.typepad.com/olympia_business_watch.

L&I Needs Your Input on Crane Safety Rules
As part of the implementation process of HB 2171, signed into law earlier this year, the Department of Labor and Industries will hold a series of public meetings to gather information and begin developing new rules to certify crane inspectors and set minimum crane operator requirements. From July 17-30, there will be opportunities across the state to give L&I your input on the new rule. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

2008 Projected to Be Leaner for States
While states experienced stable finances in 2007, 2008 is in line for somewhat tighter fiscal conditions, according to the National Governors Association and the National Association of State Budget Officers. The groups say some states are already seeing significant slowing, and they expect continued spending pressures in areas such as health care, education, corrections, employee pensions systems and infrastructure. In fiscal 2007, state general fund spending growth was 8.6 percent—about 2 percent above the 29-year historical state spending average of 6.5 percent. In fiscal 2007 state revenue collections, 27 states—including Washington—exceeded their original budget projections. Revenue collections were 2.4 percent higher than original estimates. The overall state spending growth projection for fiscal 2008 is 3.3 percent. Read more at www.nga.org/Files/pdf/FSS0706.PDF.

Emergency Outdoor Heat Stress Rule Effective Today
The Department of Labor & Industries’ new emergency rule on outdoor heat stress takes effect today. Employers with two or more employees whose primary work includes outdoor activities in hot weather must have written procedures to protect against and respond to heat-related illness and provide training and sufficient water to employees. A copy of the emergency rule, a schedule of upcoming training workshops and other information may be found on L&I's Web site: www.lni.wa.gov or by contacting Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

Proposed Reservoir Will Ease Water Shortages
Gov. Chris Gregoire signed legislation last year calling for increased water storage capacity in central and eastern Washington for agriculture, power, fish and people. Crab Creek—a drainage east of the Columbia River in Grant County—is the top choice for a new reservoir designed to ease chronic water shortages in eastern Washington. Critics say the proposed reservoir would flood a wildlife refuge and damage fish habitat. Proponents say it would improve conditions for fish and power by storing water from the Columbia River during wet seasons. The water would increase stream flows during dry periods, while providing more water for growing communities and irrigators. Is there any place suitable for the critics?

L&I Rate Holiday Begins July 1
The Fourth of July isn't the only holiday coming up in a couple of weeks. July 1 marks the start of a "rate holiday" announced by the Department of Labor & Industries to temporarily suspend the taxes employers and workers pay into the state's Medical Aid Fund, which covers health care costs for workers injured on the job. The rate holiday means employers and workers will pay no Medical Aid premiums from July 1 to January 1. Read more at AWB’s Olympia Business Watch blog at http://awbblog.typepad.com/olympia_business_watch.

U.S. Trade Deficit Narrows as Exports Hit a New Record
The nation’s trade deficit decreased more than forecasted in April. Though the deficit with China grew larger, overall exports rose to a record $129.5 billion and imports dropped. Sales of foods, plastics and consumer goods like jewelry improved, while imports of goods and services dropped 1.9 percent. Expanding economies overseas and a cheaper dollar are boosting demand for American-made goods, helping spur a rebound in manufacturing that will sustain U.S. economic growth. Read more at www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a6xgGuPNoRvM&refer=news.

AWB Offers Briefings on New HR Legislation
Don’t miss HR Essentials—a briefing no employer should miss—where you’ll learn about the latest laws and regulations on employment, workers’ comp and unemployment insurance. The briefings will be held in Everett (June 26), Bellevue (June 26) and Vancouver (June 27). Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

AWB Voting Record Progress
AWB’s 2007 Legislative Voting Record is well underway.  Our Governmental Affairs Council will finalize it during their retreat on June 19-21.  Then it goes to the executive committee for final approval. You’ll see it in the next issue of Washington Business magazine.  Thanks to all those involved!

Be an AWB Policy Summit Sponsor
AWB’s Policy Summit will be held Sept. 19-21 at Semiahmoo Resort. As a sponsor, your company receives acknowledgement before, during and following the event in marketing materials, signage and in AWB’s magazine, Washington Business. Display opportunities are also available. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

Northwest Environmental Summit Sponsorship Opportunities Available
The Northwest Environmental Summit (Oct. 17-18, Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center) is a great opportunity for your company to gain visibility in front of environmental professionals, managers, agency heads and policy-makers. To become a sponsor, visit www.envsummit.com or contact Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

Promote Your Company to Other AWB Members
Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity! AWB’s annual Policy Summit is scheduled for Sept. 19-21 at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine. Every year, we provide goodie bags to all of our attendees. Give your organization a chance to stand out and make a statement by being a contributing goodie bag sponsor. Contact Jennifer Davis at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferD@awb.org.

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. Register online at www.awb.org/events/gac.asp. Call (800) 622-9370 to reserve rooms. Blocks of rooms for the event have been set aside under AWB’s name. Contact Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

Business Week Needs Your Help
Stan McNaughton, CEO of PEMCO Insurance, and AWB President Don Brunell are co-chairs of the Business Week Leadership Council. Their goal is to develop a strong base of support for Business Week, a successful economics education program initiated by AWB in 1975. We need your help to provide company advisers and speakers for students attending the program this summer. To volunteer, please contact Steve Hyer at (253) 815-6900. It will be the best investment of time you will ever make!

AWB Freight Savings
AWB, in partnership with AES Worldwide, can give you the best possible solution for your domestic and international shipping needs. We can help you speed up the process, and our knowledgeable staff can give you the quickest possible response to all your transportation inquiries. For more information, contact Jennifer Costello at JenniferC@awb.org, call (800) 521-9325, or visit www.awb.org/services/freightsavings.asp.