AWB urges governor to veto unworkable toy regulation bill
Everyone wants safe toys for children, but the underlying problem with Washington’s new toy-banning legislation, which the governor is now considering, is that it goes too far and puts our state’s retailers and small toy manufacturers in jeopardy. It won’t prevent the toys, which some people are concerned about, from reaching children’s hands. Instead, it would simply take the toys off of retailers’ shelves and send some small manufacturers looking for new locations out of state. People would still be able to buy the toys online or cross the border to Oregon or Idaho to purchase them. A law that just puts Washington retailers in jeopardy would accomplish nothing. Gary Chandler and Grant Nelson spent last week and this past weekend meeting with the governor and her staff to point out the problems with this ill-conceived measure. Urge the governor to veto this bad bill. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or
GrantN@awb.org.
Stay current on business issues with Olympia Business Watch
Olympia Business Watch is AWB’s blog reviewing the news and events shaping business and politics in Washington. Recent posts by AWB’s communications and government affairs staff include: Boeing Got it Right Going Green and the Airlines Are Buying It; Paid Family Leave Law Now a “Bet,” “Uncertain;” California Forms WashACE Like Coalition to Fight Hidden Taxes and Fees; Harris Survey Shows Americans Know Little About Energy — Lots of Misperceptions; and Wal-Mart Takes the Starch Out of Unions — Now Insuring 93 Percent of Associates. To see these and other posts, check out Olympia Business Watch at
http://www.olympiabusinesswatch.com/.
Construction venture investment income on Department of Revenue’s radar
The Washington State Department of Revenue held a meeting on March 26 to share and discuss its latest proposed guidance on construction venture investment income. DOR believes there are some construction ventures that are not true partnerships and should pay sales and B&O taxes for their investment distributions. DOR’s proposed policy guidance attempts to distinguish between the lack of risk, proportionality of distributions among partners, and how services are paid for preferential payment treatment in the partnership contracts. DOR falsely believes these payments for services are without regard to profit or risk.They do not accept that payments through the capital account generally use accepted accounting principles and that the risk of making a profit — or not — is inherent in the partnership itself.Despite DOR limiting their effort to only construction ventures, our members remain highly concerned about its impact not only on the construction industry, but also on the banking and real estate industries and potentially many others.At the meeting, AWB went on record stating that the proposed DOR policy violates the intent of the 2002 law to clarify a court decision on investment income to provide a positive environment for capital investment in this state while continuing to treat similarly situated taxpayers the same.Regrettably, many construction projects are on hold because of rulings by DOR and the uncertainty of what is acceptable as a DOR-approved partnership. The department intends to revise its proposed policy guidelines based on input from the meeting and have provided another six weeks for additional comments.For copies of the proposed guidance, background information and a summary of AWB’s major concerns, please contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or
AmberC@awb.org.
Destination-based sales tax workshops from Department of Revenue
The Washington State Department of Revenue is conducting a series of statewide workshops dealing with destination-based sales tax. Presenters will discuss the tools and assistance available to help businesses implement the change to destination-based sales tax, which becomes effective July 1. To sign up for a workshop, call (800) 647-7706 or
click here for more information.
Climate Registry seminars coming in April
The Climate Registryis conducting a series of one-hour Web-based seminars in April to provide a general overview for potential participants. Subjects covered will include the registry’s history, reporting requirements, and the why businesses should join.The presentation runs for40 minutes, including a 20-minute Q&A session.Questions may be submitted in writing during the presentation.The seminars are free and open to all interested parties.Simply registerfor your desired date and you’ll receive the call-in information directly.
AWB Puget Sound Partnership Subcommittee meeting scheduled
AWB’s Puget Sound Partnership Subcommittee will meet on Friday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Master Builders of King and Snohomish Counties (335 116th Ave SE, Bellevue). The subcommittee will continue discussions on the partnership’s action agenda, review AWB’s recommendation letter of Feb. 11 and prepare for AWB’s presentation of those recommendations to the Leadership Council at its next meeting on April 29 and 30 in Seattle. Please contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or
ChrisM@awb.org for more information.
Public hearings on new rules for power plants
The Washington State Department of Ecology is developing new rules for power plants that produce less than 350 megawatts. The new rules are part of the implementation process of SB 6001, which was passed during the 2007 legislative session and will require electric utilities that enter into long-term contracts to meet specific emissions performance standards. The rules will also address sequestration, the capturing and storing of carbon emissions. Public hearings (Olympia, April 8, and Spokane, April 10) will address the proposed rule. More information about these hearings is available on DOE’s Web site,
www.ecy.wa.gov/news/2008news/2008-071.html. Contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or
GrantN@awb.org for more information.
Apply by April 23 for $2.75 million in customized training grants
The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges will award $2.75 million in job skills grants over the next 15 months. The next round of applications is due April 23, with subsequent application rounds monthly until the state appropriation is spent. The job skills program funds industry-education partnerships that can deliver customized, short-term and job-specific training. For program guidelines and more information, see
www.sbctc.ctc.edu/college/_e-wkforcejobskillsprogram.aspx.
Don’t miss AWB’s wage-and-hour law seminar
Unfortunately, even minor mistakes or small misinterpretations of 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 on April 22. For more information, go to
www.awb.org/events/wage.asp, or contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or
JenniferC@awb.org to register.
Safety and health grant dollars available
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries is now accepting applications for the Safety and Health Investment Project program grant dollars. This program will provide funding for safety and health projects in workplaces covered by the medical aid fund. Projects involving accident prevention through cooperation between employers and employees will get priority. The Department of Labor and Industries has $8 million to give to public and private employers, trade associations, business associations and other qualified recipients. For applications and more information, see
www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Topics/AtoZ/Grants/default.asp. For more information, please contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or
GrantN@awb.org
AWB Retro Program safety workshopDon’t miss the opportunity to increase your safety knowledge and effectiveness in developing and administering safety programs within your company. The AWB Retro Program is offering a four-course safety seminar on May 21 in Spokane as part of the Certified Safety Coordinator program. For more information, visit
www.awb.org/events/events/awb_workers_comp_retro_program_safety_workshop.htm or contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or
JenniferC@awb.org.
AWB’s annual Spring Board Meeting to be held in Spokane May 21-22 Don’t miss AWB’s Spring Board Meeting at Spokane’s Davenport Hotel on May 21 and 22. Hear a keynote address from Charlie Cook, a respected authority on U.S. election and political trends, and enjoy the presentation of the AWB’s Community Service Awards. To register, contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or
JenniferC@awb.org, or visit
www.awb.org/events/events/2008_awb_spring_board_meeting.htm.
Have your company’s contribution to community service recognized
AWB will present its Community Service Awards at a special dinner held in conjunction with its annual Spring Board Meeting in Spokane on May 21. Submit your applications before Friday, April 18, at
www.awb.org/services/awards/csaawards.asp.For more information, please Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600
JenniferC@awb.org.
Take another look at I-937 and encourage new hydro generation— See this week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org
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