Today is last day to register to vote
Want to vote on Nov. 4? Hustle down to the courthouse and register today. You have to appear in person with identification and documentation of your address. So grab that driver’s license and register TODAY!

AWB collaborates on regional small business forums
AWB is partnering with the Washington Policy Center on a series of small business forums to be held in six locations around the state, including Spokane, Richland, Bellevue, Wenatchee, Tacoma and Vancouver. 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.

AWB accepting nominations/applications for business member of industrial insurance appeals board
AWB is accepting nominations to fill an open seat on the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals. The position was recently filled by the late Cal Dickinson, who passed away on Oct. 3. The BIIA is the state agency that hears administrative appeals in workers’ compensation, workplace safety, and related cases. The BIIA is administered by three full-time board members representing business, labor and the general public. By statute, AWB must submit a list of three candidates to the governor, who in turn appoints the business representative from the nominees. The next appointee will finish the remainder of Dickinson’s term, which ends June 17, 2011, and will then be eligible for reappointment to a full six-year term. AWB is setting up an interview process for qualified applicants to determine the business community’s nominees. Applicants should submit appropriate materials, including a letter of interest and resume, by Friday, Oct. 24. For more information on the position or the nomination process, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600.

Hawaii ends universal child health care only seven months after adopting it
If Barack Obama wins the presidential election, he has promised universal health care for children. In his native state of Hawaii, however, a statewide universal child health care program is biting the dust only seven months after it became law. The reason: The state faced a budget shortfall, which made the plan unfeasible, especially since there were other health care options for those who needed it. In addition, better-off families were gaming the system by dropping private coverage in order to make their children eligible for the subsidized plan. Universal health care advocates should take note that their good intentions often have unintended consequences and that their expensive plans often run into insurmountable walls when governments face gaps in their budgets. Read more at The Canadian Press.

Is the Paid Family Leave law suspended?
At AWB’s Policy Summit on Sept. 25, Gov. Gregoire told AWB members the state’s Paid Family Leave law is suspended. According to information from MomRising.org, Gregoire and Democratic leaders in the Legislature are looking for funding sources to implement the program, which passed in 2007. Check AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch, for details.

Climate change “Cap and Trade 101” presentation on Oct. 31
AWB will host a “Cap and Trade 101” presentation for members seeking to better understand the fundamentals of a cap and trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The presentation, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 31 from 10 a.m.-noon in AWB’s large conference room, will feature Thomas R. Wood and Matt Cohen of Stoel Rives. The presentation will include details on the status and primary elements of the Western Climate Initiative, which businesses will be included in the program, an estimate of how much a cap and trade program could cost businesses in Washington state, and what major policies still need to be decided. Members wanting to reduce their carbon footprint may participate in the presentation through AWB’s carbon-free Webinar from their own computer. There is no cost to AWB members to attend this presentation, but space is limited, so please RSVP to AWB’s Connie Grande at (360) 943-1600 to reserve a seat. For more information and details, contact 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 AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600.

Legislators to discuss workforce training at Nov. 6 Education and Training Committee meeting
AWB’s Education and Training Committee will meet on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m.-noon at Deloitte (925 Fourth Ave., 33rd floor, Seattle).Democratic and Republican lawmakers will discuss current proposals for basic education financing.The committee will also review the workforce training program and prepare for the 2009 session.Contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600.

Counties and cites 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, 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.Contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600.

Feedback needed on amended fish and wildlife program
The Northwest Power and Conservation Council has issued its revised fish and wildlife program for public comment and is holding public meetings throughout the region over the next several weeks. Program costs are increasing dramatically as a result of the new salmon plan issued by NOAA Fisheries and settlement agreements reached by Bonneville Power with some states and tribes in hydrosystem litigation. While the agreements will help in litigation before Judge Redden, and many of the projects may well benefit fish, we need to encourage the council to “hold the line” and ensure rigorous science review of proposed projects. It is important and helpful that the council hear from as many people as possible during the public comment period as they will be hearing from others in the region. Send written comments on the program to the council by Oct. 30. If you wish to attend a meeting, contact Kay Gabriel at (206) 329-5961.

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.


Will Washington become an aerospace rust belt? - See this week's President's Perspective at www.awb.org