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House approves $2 billion for SR-520 bridge — Tolls possible by 2009 |
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Written On: March 03, 2008 |
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House approves $2 billion for SR-520 bridge — Tolls possible by 2009
The House approved a transportation budget with $2 billion of the $4.38 billion cost of replacing the State Route 520 bridge with a more modern, six-lane successor. Users of the bridge could pay tolls as early as 2009 to cover the remainder of the project’s funding. Under that budget, however, other highway projects face delays, including the highway crossing Fort Lewis between Frederickson and Lakewood, the extension of Highway 167 from the Port of Tacoma to Puyallup, and a Highway 509 link from Interstate 5 to Sea-Tac International Airport.
Please also see these related links:
HB 2878, sponsored by Rep. Judy Clibborn, D-Mercer Island
House and Senate budgets leave too little in reserve
The Senate passed its budget plan last week and, unlike the House budget, the Senate plan rejects an extra 1-percent teacher pay raise and puts aside $755 million for the future. In contrast, the House budget would save $750 million, including about $450 million set aside in a rainy-day fund. The House approved its plan last week with a vote that was split almost entirely along party lines, with Democrats in support and Republicans against. The next step is for both chambers to reconcile their budgets. A projected $2 billion shortfall in the next biennium has already prompted Democratic leaders to warn of possible tax increases in 2009. AWB is pushing for a reserve fund of at least $1 billion.
Please also see these related links:
HB 2687, sponsored by Rep. Helen Sommers, D-Seattle
SB 6378, sponsored by Sen. Margarita Prentice, D-Renton
Olympia Business Watch Blog
Your help needed to stop workers’ comp cost increases
HB 3139, which changes almost a century of workers’ comp law in Washington by requiring employers and the Department of Labor and Industries to pay all benefits when the validity of a claim is challenged on appeal, moved out of the Senate Labor, Commerce, Research and Development Committee on Feb. 28 without employer-supported amendments. This bill, which will inevitably result in payment of benefits on invalid claims, is on its way to the floor. If you are a self-insured employer or concerned about higher costs for the state fund, now is the time to call your senator and tell them to vote NO on HB 3139.
Please also see these related links:
HB 3139, sponsored by Rep. Steve Conway, D-Tacoma
New employment leave bills appear destined for passage
SB 6447, which passed into the House Rules Committee, provides 15 days of unpaid leave for the spouse of a military service member deployed to a combat zone or on leave from deployment. HB 2602, which passed into the Senate Rules Committee, provides for a “reasonable period” of leave from work for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or to look after various legal, medical, or safety needs. Both bills appear headed toward passage. AWB has been advocating for greater consistency with existing family and medical leave laws. This has been successful on SB 6447, which received amendments in committee to align in important respects with the state and federal FMLA. HB 2602 still needs more work.
Please also see these related links:
SB 6447, sponsored by Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens
HB 2602, sponsored by Rep. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam
AWB supports residential contractor bill that identifies and fixes defects without litigation
2SHB 3349, which would require the Washington State Department of Licensing to conduct a sunrise review of the need for regulation of contractors involved in the repair, alteration, or construction of single-family homes, is now in the Senate Ways and Means Committee after being approved by the House. AWB supports 2SHB 3349 as a responsible alternative to Sen. Brian Weinstein’s trial lawyer-inspired SB 6385.
Please also see these related links:
2SHB 3349 sponsored by Rep. Mark Ericks, D-Bothell
SB 6385, sponsored by Sen. Brian Weinstein, D-Mercer Island
AWB President Don Brunell’s recent column
AWB continue efforts to protect small business health care plans
AWB wishes to thank those who heeded our request to contact legislators and urge opposition to the expansion of the Health Insurance Partnership program. 2SHB 2537 by Rep. Eileen Cody, which sets the stage for government-run health care by expanding the Health Insurance Partnership to all small employers, is still progressing. Fortunately, the Senate bill discontinues funding for the program after this year. AWB continues to oppose the expansion of the government-run program whose original charge was to provide assistance to small businesses struggling to provide coverage to their employees and employees financially unable to participate in their employer-provided coverage. Your assistance in raising concerns with members of the Senate has been very helpful and most appreciated. We could still use additional help, though, if you have not yet let your voice be heard. Continued pressure on members of the Senate to resist passage of this bill is essential.
Please also see these related links:
2SHB 2537, sponsored by Rep. Eileen Cody, D-Seattle
Climate action bill now in Senate Ways and Means Committee
HB 2815, the governor-requested greenhouse gas legislation, is now in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The bill is expected to pass with no amendments to the Senate floor. AWB is still working to make further improvements to the measure, including sections addressing reporting and transportation.
Please also see these related hyperlinks:
HB 2815, sponsored by Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish
Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org
Funding the Paid Family Leave program still a mystery
Last week, after the House passed a budget providing potential funding through the state’s IT pool for the initial start-up of the state’s paid family leave program, the Senate passed a budget funding the program’s initial start-up through the general fund. Neither proposal contains a solution for funding the benefits of the program. As the two different budget proposals go to conference negotiations, AWB will continue to monitor how, or whether, the state’s paid family leave program receives any start-up funding.
Please also see these related links:
AWB supports bill that identifies the state’s math and science teaching corps
Washington’s recent focus on math and science achievement has led to many discussions about whether the state has a shortage of qualified math and science teachers and, if so, how many new teachers will be needed to ensure student success in these areas. AWB supports 2SHB 2809, introduced by Rep. Pat Sullivan, which requires an analysis of the qualifications of teachers who currently teach math and science in our schools, and a projection of how many additional math and science teachers may be needed to ensure all students have access to a well-qualified teaching force in these areas.
Please also see these related links:
2SHB 2809, sponsored by Rep. Pat Sullivan, D-Covington
Alignment of career and technical programs with essential academic learning requirements
As schools broaden student access to career and technical training opportunities, it’s essential that these programs align with WASL and essential academic learning requirements. AWB supports SSB 6377, requiring approval of all high school career and technical training programs to ensure alignment with learning objectives and provide assistance to schools with programs that need revision to meet the new requirements. This measure also requires that training programs focus on high-demand fields to ensure students have training in jobs with a sustainable future. About $3 million dollars has been provided in the Senate budget to support this measure, which was passed into House Rules today.
Please also see these related links:
SSB 6377, sponsored by Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens
Health care road show still alive and kicking
ESSB 6333 by Sen. Karen Keiser is still working its way through the system. This bill establishes a citizen’s commission to travel the state and discuss predetermined health care reform proposals after an econometric analysis of each is completed. In addition to the legislation, both the House and Senate budgets contain the $1.2 million appropriation necessary to complete the goals of the bill. The way the budget language is constructed, the work of the commission may still move forward even if the bill fails to pass. AWB continues to oppose both the bill and its budget language.
Please also see these related links:
Pesky transportation tax bills cause heated debate
Two transportation tax bills that are dead for the session are still causing trouble for lawmakers and their legislative staff. These bills on vehicle engine displacement taxes are affected by Initiative 960, which requires the Office of Financial Management to notify taxpayers via e-mail of new proposals that raise revenues by imposing taxes or fees. Notification of these bills is circulating around the Internet, leading angry voters to post blog comments and make calls to action. SB 6900 would charge vehicle owners a yearly fee based on engine size, while SB 6923 would base its fees on gas mileage. Car club members are leading an aggressive grassroots campaign against both proposals. AWB opposes both bills, which failed to pass the Senate Transportation Committee.
Please also see these related links:
SB 6900 by Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Medina
SB 6923 by Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle
Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org
Safety and health grant dollars available—apply now!
The 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 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. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org
International Shipping 101: ‘What you need to know’ seminar on March 19
Getting your goods from point A to point B can be challenging in the best of times, but overseas air and ocean freight can be confusing and prone to unnecessary delays and costs. This half-day workshop will explain the role of the freight forwarder and the customs broker, the main modes of transportation, insurance, packing, U.S. Customs, billing and more! Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org
OSHA 10-hour certification course
Bring yourself up to date on the latest in safety training and OSHA standards. Classes will be held April 3 and 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Woodland Park Zoo. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Register and find information enrollment fees at www.awb.org/events/seminars/osha10hrcert.asp. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org.
Compdata Surveys help you attract and retain key employees
Get the information you need to attract and retain your key employees with Compdata Surveys. Their database provides comprehensive information on pay practices, benefits and salaries for nearly 650 job titles. Participate in the 2008 survey and gain access to the results for only $349. Save even more when you mention promo code AWB. Contact Compdata Surveys at (800) 300-9570 or visit them at www.compdatasurveys.com to learn more.
Updated edition of Washington Employment Law Deskbook available now!
This is a key reference guide to legal issues facing Washington employers. The reference guide offers sample policies, solutions and easy-to-understand guidelines. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or Jenniferc@awb.org to order your copy.
Greens Bash Biofuels Masking Their Real Agenda — See this week’s President’s Perspective at http://www.awb.org/
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