Legislature to adjourn on Thursday
With only the budget left to finish, the Washington State Legislature is scheduled to adjourn on Thursday. Look for AWB’s legislative wrap-up and voting record before you decide who to support in the next election.

AWB wants government to control greenhouse gas emissions, not dictate the miles you drive
By a vote of 29-19, the governor’s greenhouse gas bill passed the Senate last week. Gov. Gregoire will likely sign it within two weeks. AWB strongly opposes Section 8 of this bill, which addresses transportation and might lead to mandatory reductions in miles driven by Washington state citizens. In a letter sent today to the governor, AWB President Don Brunell asked for a veto of Section 8, stressing that the economic viability of our state depends on the ability of our citizens to move freely from their homes to their place of work. This is especially true of those that live in more rural areas and have no choice but to drive to their place of work, Brunell said. AWB will continue to strongly oppose Section 8 and track this legislation through implementation.

 

Please also see these related links:
HB 2815, sponsored by Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish
Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org

Governor’s office steps in to save state’s Health Insurance Partnership bill
AWB and other business groups worked with members of the state Senate to amend the Health Insurance Partnership bill. We proposed a market-oriented alternative that would have provided direct assistance to small business that cannot currently afford health insurance coverage for their employees. Although our proposed amendment had bipartisan support, the governor’s office lobbied hard to preserve the original HIP legislation, which has high administrative costs and requires qualified businesses to purchase coverage from a state-run entity. AWB opposed using taxpayer money to create a parallel health insurance market, a stepping-stone to government run health care. Having provided an effective alternative that had widespread support, we were disappointed to see our amendment defeated by a vote of 24-25.

Please also see these related links:
2SHB 2537, sponsored by Rep. Eileen Cody, D-Seattle
Contact AWB’s Donna Steward at (360) 943-1600 or DonnaS@awb.org


Climate change bill may be first step toward more land-use regulations and higher housing costs
On March 6, by a vote of 58-35, the House passed a bill that addresses climate change and reduces greenhouse gas emissions on the local level. Although AWB was successful in paring the bill back from its initial, command-and-control form, over time the bill stands to create problems. As it stands now, it requires the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development to create advisory climate change response methodologies, a computer modeling program, and estimates for cities’ and counties’ use in addressing the effects of climate change. This bill also contains a local government global warming mitigation and adaptation program for cities and counties to use in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, the bill creates an advisory team composed of a large number of stakeholders to work with CTED and prepare a report for the Legislature and the governor by the end of the year on how to address climate change on the local level. Although these new programs are not mandatory, AWB believes these new programs and methodologies will eventually result in de facto regulations that will adversely affect land use planning under the GMA for years to come, reducing supply and further increasing housing costs.

Please also see these related links:
ESSB 6580, sponsored by Sen. Chris Marr, D-Spokane
Contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org

Failure of eminent domain legislation is a missed opportunity
For the second year in a row, important legislation regarding eminent domain will not reach the governor’s desk. Even though it unanimously passed the House on Feb. 13, the Senate has again killed this legislation, which failed to survive the fiscal committee cutoff. This bill would have revised current eminent domain law to require the condemnor to show that all alternatives have been considered and the reasons for rejecting those alternatives; increased the reimbursement amounts to the condemnee; provided the condemnee with an option to repurchase the property if the condemnor sells some or all of the property within a certain number of years following the condemnation; and prohibited the condemnation of property for “economic development” in response to Kelo v. City of New London Connecticut.

Please also see these related links:
2ESHB 2016, sponsored by Rep. Larry Springer, D-Kirkland
Contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org

Streamlined sales tax bill passes Senate
HB 3126, an important bill related to the streamlined sales tax, passed the Senate and is on its way to the governor. AWB strongly supported this bill and is pleased with the outcome.

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. L&I 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! Learn how to grow your business through international shipping! Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 or JenniferC@awb.org

AWB wage-and-hour law seminar coming April 22
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! For more information, go to www.awb.org/events/wage.asp, or contact AWB’s Jen Costello at (360) 943-1600 or Jenniferc@awb.org to register.

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.

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 21. Submit your applications before Friday, April 18 at www.awb.org/services/awards/csaawards.asp. Contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 JenniferC@awb.org.