State revenue shortfall expected to balloon to $4.6 billion
In a recent interview, Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, said he expects the state budget shortfall will balloon to $4.6 billion when the new revenue forecast comes out this week. He added that any tax hike to close the gap would go to a vote of the people. The$4.6 billion would be in the 12 percent to 15 percent range anticipated in the 2009-2011 state budget, which will be determined by the Legislature. “This is bad news.We need to stimulate the private sector tocreate jobs, and the best way to do that is to hold taxes and fees down,” said AWB President Don C. Brunell.


Is Washington next on list of states proposing tax increases?
The Pew Center reports governors in Oregon, Nevada and California are floating state tax increases to deal with rapidly falling revenues.The three states are the latest — but not the first — to raise or consider raising taxes in response to recent economic troubles. Gov. Chris Gregoire, who promised not to raise taxes during the campaign, also is looking at an economic stimulus package and faces a growing deficit.What was a $3.2 billion gap between stateincome and expenses may grow $4.6 billion when the revenue forecast is announced later this week.


Oregon employers will pay less for workers’ compensation insurance in 2009
The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services has issued notice to employers that workers’ compensation costs will decrease significantly in 2009.Workers’ compensation pure premium rates will decline 5.9 percent from the average 2008 level.The Workers’ Benefit Fund (“cents-per-hour”) assessment will remain unchanged at 2.8 cents per hour, with employers and individual employees each paying half (1.4 cents per hour).This fund is used to pay for programs that provide direct benefits to injured workers and their beneficiaries, including Oregon’s much-hailed return-to-work program for injured workers.In addition, Oregon’s workers’ compensation premium assessment will remain unchanged at 4.6 percent. Meanwhile, Washington’s workers’ comp rates continue to climb — one more sign that Washington needs to work on remaining competitive with its neighbors.


U.S. Department of Labor publishes Family Medical Leave Act regulations NAM release
Last year the Department of Labor started developing a rule governing how the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) should be interpreted and implemented. Finally last week, the department announcedtheir final regulation, which strengthens this important law that has benefitted millions of employees. These new rules not only clear up much of the confusion that surrounded the law but defines how the families of military personnel can use the FMLA for the first time. Click here to read the final rule.


Are retro programs at stake during the 2009 session?
Because of the recent elections, AWB believes there may be some action taken against workers’ compensation retrospective rating, or “retro,” programs during the 2009 session. CompWise is AWB’s retro program, which returns ALL of its refunds to participating members. Since its inception in 1996, CompWise has delivered more than $30 million in refunds to participating members. AWB does not keep any part of the refund. We have already sent refunds to our manufacturers and hospitality retro members. If you are interested in CompWise, please contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600. If you are a CompWise member, please contact your legislators soon and remind them that retro programs are an important part of controlling workers’ comp costs and ensuring safer workplaces.


New issue of Washington Business magazine examines the ‘green’ economy
How will the renewed focus on “going green” and environmentalism affect the Evergreen State? Find out in the latest issue of Washington Business magazine, hot off the press and headed for your mailbox this week!


Washington Business magazine survey open until Nov. 21.
There’s still time to tell us a little about yourself on the Washington Business magazine demographics survey. AWB is conducting this brief online survey to better understand our readership demographics. To ensure more members have a chance to participate, we have extended the survey deadline to this Friday, Nov. 21.


AWB collaborates on regional small business forums
AWB is partnering with the Washington Policy Center on a series of small business forums being held through Nov. 20 in locations around the state. The forums will educate small business owners on the latest policy changes affecting their businesses. Attendees will learn about recent legislative changes and get a preview of the 2009 legislative session’s major issues. These small, informal gatherings represent one of the best chances for owners of small businesses to get their policy questions answered and gain the necessary knowledge to engage in public policy and decision making. Click here for information on times, dates and locations or contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600.


Best practices seminar for the Human Resources File Cabinet coming Nov. 19
Learn how to avoid fines, penalties and litigation by adopting “best practices” and maintaining proper employment records on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at Bellevue’s Hilton Hotel. Register online or contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600.


Counties and cities associations will discuss agenda at AWB Tax and Fiscal Policy Council meeting
The AWB Tax and Fiscal Policy Council will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 9:30 a.m.-noon at AWB to hear a presentation by the Association of Washington Cities and the Washington State Association of Counties on their 2009 legislative agenda. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600.


AWB Energy Committee to meet with Rep. McCoy
AWB’s Energy Committee will meet on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to noon, with House Energy Committee Chairman Rep. John McCoy, D-Tulalip. Agenda items will include AWB’s energy agenda and legislative objectives for 2009, including possible changes to Initiative 937 (renewable energy standards). The meeting will be held in room 4801 at the law offices of Perkins Coie in downtown Seattle. For more information, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600.


Employment Law Seminar: Hiring, managing and discharging employees
This one-day seminar on Thursday, Dec. 4 is a powerful tool that will help inform your key personnel on how to avoid legal traps and provide a solid understanding of changing laws and regulations in the employment area. Click here for a full agenda. To register, contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600.


ADA Amendments Act of 2008: ***New law effective Jan. 1, 2009***
On Sept. 25, President Bush signed into law the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, which amended the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to broaden the definition of “disability,” expand the law’s protections, and directly overturn several recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions in the field of disability law. These new changes become effective Jan. 1. The ADAAA sends an unmistakable message to employers and the courts that the concept of disability must be broadly — rather than narrowly — construed. This will affect employers as many more people will fall within the new definition of disability under the ADAAA. At the same time, Washington state has already established a more protective standard for disability employment rights under its Law Against Discrimination. It is crucial for employers to understand their responsibilities under both federal and state law. Join us for a Web conference on Wednesday, Dec.10 to understand how these laws will impact your business. Click here to register or contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 for more information.


When Boeing talks, will legislators listen?-- See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org