AWB Capitol Holiday Kids’ Tree helps brighten the season
Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of AWB members, the holiday season will be a little brighter for families in Grays Harbor and Thurston counties. Last Friday, Gov. Chris Gregoire helped light the state’s Christmas tree in the Capitol Rotunda as part of the 20th Annual AWB Capitol Holiday Kids’ Tree Lighting Program. The beautiful 25-foot noble fir, provided by Port Blakley Tree Farms, is adorned with ornaments and gifts for children of all ages thanks to the Toy Industry Foundation and local retailer Toysmith. Barnes & Noble also donated $2,500 in books to share with Seattle Children’s Hospital. More than $20,000 in donations from AWB members and friends will be distributed by firefighters in the two counties to rural families in need. Since the project began in 1989, AWB members and friends have raised more than $300,000 for the project. You can view a slide show of the tree and Friday’s program in Olympia on AWB’s Web site. TVW will also broadcast its taping of the ceremony tonight at 7 p.m.


Now is not the time to raise taxes or saddle employers with higher costs
First, news came that Washington’s unemployment rate jumped five-tenths of a point to 6.3 percent in October.Then, the real kick in the head was the federal unemployment numbers released last week.Half a million jobs vanished in a flash last month in the worst mass layoffs since the 1970s. Since December 2007, the economy has shed 1.9 million jobs, and the ranks of the unemployed have increased by 2.7 million. That’s 10.3 million people without jobs. Next yearis going to be a very painful time for everyone.Employers are the geese that lay golden eggs, and AWBis working to find ways to have the private tax-paying, job-producing sector of our economy lead us back to prosperity. Read more on AWB’s Olympia Business Watch blog.


Budget cuts hitting Washington Basic Health Plan
Another sign of hard financial times: The Seattle Times reports that the state will begin reducing the number of people on its Basic Health Plan this Friday. The taxpayer-subsidized plan covers 105,000 low-income people. The state Health Care Authority wants to lower that number by 7,700 during the next seven months. In addition, the state will end the Health Insurance Partnership, which helps small businesses provide coverage to workers.


Podcast: Workers’ compensation rates will increase by 3 percent
Looking for a quick way to get up to speed on hot legislative topics? Tune into an AWB podcast! These brief (3-5 minute) online broadcasts explore key issues that are vital to our members. This week, we sit down with AWB General Counsel Kris Tefft to discuss the new workers’ compensation rate increases. To listen, click here.


Puget Sound Partnership releases roadmap for Puget Sound cleanup
On Dec. 1, the newly created state agency, the Puget Sound Partnership, released its much-anticipated “Action Agenda”, which sets the stage for funding and policies that will attempt to clean up and restore Puget Sound by 2020. The Action Agenda represents the culmination of more than two years’ of work among governmental officials, non-governmental organizations and various stakeholders, including the business community. Notably, the partnership is seeking nearly $200 million in additional funding for Action Agenda-related programs at a time when the state is grappling with a $5 billion budget deficit. For more information please contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600.


Committee chairs announced in House and Senate
Last week, during Committee Assembly Days in Olympia, lawmakers from the House and Senate Democratic caucuses announced the names of committee chairs for the 2009 legislative session. You can view a complete list of House committee chairs here and Senate committees here. Some things to note: the House has added three new committees: Education Appropriations, General Government Appropriations and Health and Human Services Appropriations. These were all previously subcommittees of the Appropriations Committee. It should also be noted that the full House Appropriations Committee has been renamed the House Ways and Means Committee, which will be chaired by Rep. Kelli Linville, D-Bellingham.


Search the state budget online
A new searchable budget Web site authorized by SB 6818 is now online. This Web site provides an unprecedented level of interactivity that allows users to create their own budget reports to compare state spending over time. The Web site is a great resource for citizens regardless of the level of their budget expertise. From the green eyeshade policy analyst to the casual observer, users can create a customized look at how our tax dollars are being spent.


Skills2Compete Washington seeks support for middle-skill jobs
According to Kris Stadelman, CEO of the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, there is a wide range of middle and technical skills that provide for family self-sufficiency. A new campaign called Skills2Compete seeks to bring these jobs to the forefront since more employers are having trouble filling jobs at middle skill levels than at high skill levels. To add your voice or your company’s voice to the campaign, visit Skills2Compete online and read more about it on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch.


Gregoire administration will unveil climate change legislation on Dec. 11
On Thursday, Dec. 11, from 10:30 a.m.-noon at AWB, the Office of the Governor, Washington State Department of Ecology and Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development will present the administration’s climate-change-related legislation and budget requests, including a draft bill on a cap and trade program that will be proposed next session. Members are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600.


Report on alternatives to Deca-DBDE now available; comments due Dec. 14
The Department of Ecology/Department of Health report on alternatives to Deca-BDE is now available. Members should submit comments and concerns they may have about the findings by noon on Monday, Dec. 14. For more information, contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600.


Managing Leaves of Absence Seminar at SeaTac on Jan. 8
The Family and Medical Leave Act presents more compliance headaches than almost any other law affecting the workplace. It remains an extremely difficult and frustrating law for employers to administer, and it creates several traps that can lead to employer liability. Complying with FMLA just became more complicated, with new regulations to become effective Jan. 16. Join us for this seminar on Thursday, Jan. 8, as we sort through the confusion and ambiguity and help you identify what you must do now to manage employee leaves of absence. Click here to register or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 for more information.


AWB now accepting nominations for Better Workplace Awards
AWB’s Better Workplace Awards honor companies that have gone the extra mile to create a better working environment in the areas of workplace safety, job training, advancement programs and innovative benefit and compensation programs. Have your company recognized for its accomplishments! Download the nomination form or contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 for more information.


Manufacturing briefing set for Jan. 15 in Olympia
Join us Thursday, Jan. 15, at AWB for a special briefing on the status of manufacturing in Washington. This is your chance to talk with state legislators about the crucial role manufacturing plays in our economy and the importance of retaining the current manufacturing sales and use tax exemption. Registration is $35 for AWB members and includes lunch. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today by contacting Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600.


Register now for AWB’s Legislative Reception and Annual Issues Briefing coming Feb. 11
AWB’s Legislative Reception is coming to the Red Lion Hotel in Olympia on Wednesday, Feb. 11. This event is one of your best opportunities to network with other AWB members, elected officials and agency directors. It’s also a great chance to raise your company’s visibility through a sponsorship. To register or to become a sponsor, click here or contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600.


This week’s President’s Perspective: Revenue shortfall provides opportunities for a lasting economic recovery