New tax increase proposal for education needs your comments
AWB needs your response to a basic education finance proposal by the Full Funding Coalition, which comprises the state’s largest education organizations, to create a new finance system for K-12 education that significantly increases state funding. The proposal has been submitted to the Basic Education Finance Task Force created by the Legislature. The funding proposal extends the sales tax to consumer, business, medical and financial services, resulting in $3 billion of additional revenue for school funding. While Gov. Chris Gregoire has pledged a “no-new-tax” budget, this package could be sent to the voters as a referendum. A meeting of the Education and Training Committee is being planned to review the proposal.This recommendation will go to the AWB Tax and Fiscal Policy Council, which meets on Wednesday, Jan. 21. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600.


How about $1.7 trillion to pay down the federal debt while providing jobs?
A new study commissioned by the American Petroleum Institute shows that America’s vast natural resources in areas only recently opened to development by Congress could generate more than $1.7 trillion in government revenues and create 160,000 jobs by 2030. Learn more about this promising path to energy independence and financial security on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch.


CTED director resigns
Last week, Juli Wilkerson, director of Washington’s Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, announced her retirement effective Friday, Jan. 9, citing a desire to spend more time with her family. “Juli has been an exceptional advocate and innovative leader for the interests of citizens, communities and businesses throughout the state,” said Gov. Gregoire. Wilkerson’s resignation is the fourth from a Washington state agency director in recent weeks. Also departing are Fish and Wildlife Director Jeff Koenigs, Department of Early Learning Director Jone Bosworth and Children’s Administration chief Cheryl Stephani.


Governor releases draft climate change cap and trade legislation
AWB’s Climate Change Subcommittee received a draft of Gov. Gregoire’s cap and trade bill aimed at meeting Washington’s greenhouse gas reduction limits. Under the bill, the Washington State Department of Ecology would set an emissions cap for electric utilities and industries beginning in 2012. Every three years, the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions would be lowered to achieve 1990 emission levels by 2020. The legislation authorizes DOE to issue enforcement orders and fines of up to $10,000 per day to businesses unable to comply with the new lower emission limits. AWB will continue working with the governor’s office on the draft legislation throughout the 2009 session to ensure that the impact on businesses is minimized. For more information, including a copy of the bill, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600.


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 AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 for more information.


Home AWB Construction Workgroup will review recommendations
AWB is creating a Home Construction Workgroup to review possible legislative proposals by the Legislative Home Construction Workgroup, headed by Rep. Larry Springer, D-Kirkland. Rep. Springer’s workgroup is considering warranty legislation that would apply to residential contractors, among other proposals. The first meeting of the AWB workgroup will be tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec.16, from 10 a.m.-noon, at AWB. If you are interested in participating, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600.


Hailey announces resignation from state House
Citing ongoing medical challenges related to his cancer treatments, Rep. Steve Hailey, R-Mesa, resigned from his 9th District legislative seat, effective Jan. 11. “My health is such that I cannot represent the interests of my constituents in the fashion they deserve,” said Hailey, who was diagnosed with colon cancer last January. “Serving in the Legislature has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I will always be grateful to the people of the 9th District for the honor of representing them in Olympia,” he added.


Deficit spending in Washington state? Bad idea!
The Washington Federation of State Employees is suggesting that the governor and Legislature consider borrowing through bonding to get out of the current deficit rather than making tough decisions about budget cuts. Families get in trouble by borrowing for the wrong reasons;the governor and statelegislators should not make the same mistake. Read more at AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch.


State narrows options for Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement
The Seattle Times reports that the state has narrowed the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement options down to two: a surface and transit plan and an elevated highway. Each option would cost about $3.6 billion. A final decision will be made by the end of the month.


Department of Revenue seeks input on excise tax advisories
The Washington State Department of Revenue is reviewing its Excise Tax Advisories (ETAs), which explain agency policy on how tax law applies to specific situations. ETAs are advisory for taxpayers, but they are binding until superseded by the courts, the Legislature, rule adoption or an amendment to or cancellation of the ETA. The department has asked AWB for comments on any of the ETAs that are currently under review. For more information, contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600.


AWB Tax and Fiscal Policy Council 2009 meeting schedule
The meeting schedule for the AWB Tax and Fiscal Policy Council is set for 2009. Meetings are open to all AWB members, and will be held from 9:30 a.m.-noon. A separate announcement will be sent out for each meeting to confirm the location and agenda topics. The 2009 dates are as follows: Wednesday, Jan. 21 (Olympia); Wednesday, Feb. 18 (Olympia); Tuesday, March 17 (Olympia); Tuesday, May 12 (Seattle); Wednesday, June 10 (Olympia); Wednesday, July 8 (Seattle); Wednesday, Aug. 12 (Olympia); Wednesday, Oct. 14 (Seattle); and Wednesday, Nov. 18 (Olympia).


Start the year in compliance
Numerous mandatory changes have been made to the Washington state and federal employment posters over the past year. Pre-order your updated poster set today to ensure your company is in compliance with state and federal labor law posting requirements. To order an updated poster set, contact Jennifer Costello 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.


Manufacturing briefing set for Jan. 15 in Olympia
Join us Thursday, Jan. 15, at AWB for a special briefing on the state of manufacturing in Washington. This is your chance to talk with 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
AWB’s Legislative Reception is coming to the Red Lion Hotel in Olympia on Wednesday, Feb. 11. This event is one of the best opportunities to network with other AWB members, elected officials and agency directors. It’s also a great chance to enhance your company’s visibility through a sponsorship. To register or become a sponsor, click here or contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600.


Fast Facts takes a week off
The final 2008 edition of Fast Facts will be published on Monday, Dec. 22. Fast Facts will resume in 2009, so be sure to check your e-mail in-box when you come back to work on Monday, Jan. 5.


This week’s President’s Perspective: We should clean up Washington’s underwater junkyard