Happy New (Minimum Wage) Year!
Starting Jan. 1, Washington’s minimum wage increased to $8.55 per hour, the highest in the nation. Since the law took effect in 1999, our state’s base wage has consistently been the highest in the nation. While everyone wants a higher wage, we need to distinguish between a “living-wage job” and an entry-level or supplemental job that pays minimum wage. We are rapidly getting to point where we are pricing minimum-wage jobs out of the market. Read more on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch.


2009 Legislature and Business: Give us your feedback!
Next Monday, Jan. 12, the Washington State Legislature will convene to begin work on the 105-day session. Legislators and the governor face the daunting task of closing a nearly $6 billion budget gap. As a member of the business community, AWB would like to know what one thing the Legislature and governor could do to help you and your business during these tough economic times? Tell us what you think via this online survey. We will collect your suggestions through noon this Friday, Jan. 9 and share some of your responses in next week’s issue of Fast Facts.


In memoriam: State Reps. Steve Hailey and Bill Grant succumb to cancer
AWB regrets the recent passing of two state representatives. On Dec. 28, Rep. Steve Hailey, R-Mesa, passed away at age 63 after a yearlong battle with cancer. Today, we learned that Rep. Bill Grant, D-Walla Walla, also passed away on Jan. 4 from a recently diagnosed lung cancer; he was 71. Grant served 22 years in the House and Hailey was just re-elected to his second term when he resigned due to illness.

Individuals may make donations in Rep. Hailey’s name to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation (7350 W. Deschutes Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336), the American Cancer Society (7325 W. Deschutes Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336), and the Washington Cattlemen’s Association Endowment Trust Fund (P.O. Box 96, Ellensburg, WA 98926). Remembrances have not yet been announced for Rep. Grant, but AWB will include them in the next issue of Fast Facts.


A sign of the times: State Parks and Recreation may close 14 parks
The Associated Press reports that the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission may close 14 of Washington’s 121 state parks to save cash as the state faces a large budget deficit. Parks are slated for closure throughout the state. There are no plans to sell the parks to commercial interests or developers. The proposal will be debated during the upcoming legislative session.


Tunnel back in play as decision on Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement is delayed
The Seattle Times reports that a proposal to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a deep-bored tunnel is making a comeback, according to an unnamed adviser to Gov. Chris Gregoire, who calls the tunnel option the “most viable” if the numbers add up. These comments came on the heels of a decision by Gov. Gregoire, King County Executive Ron Sims and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels not to issue a final decision on the viaduct replacement by Dec. 31, 2008 as planned. The final decision will come later this month after additional study.


Home and business owners should report storm damage now
Home and small business owners around the state who have damages from the recent winter weather should file a report with their local emergency management office immediately. In addition to notifying their insurance company, home and business owners also should report damages to the emergency management agency in the community where their home or business is located. Small business owners have two kinds of damage to think about: physical and economic. Click here for more information.


Better Workplace Awards nominations due Jan. 9
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. Download the nomination form or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 for more information. Nominations are due by Friday, Jan. 9.


Meet the new legislators of 2009
Don’t miss the Freshmen, Friends and Family Reception, hosted by AWB and Eli Lilly and Company, on Monday, Jan. 12, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Phoenix Inn (417 Capitol Way North, Olympia). Following the inauguration of the 2009 Legislature, this reception provides a great opportunity for AWB members to meet with 2009’s freshmen class of legislators, their staff members and their families. Please RSVP by Thursday, Jan. 8 to AWB’s Connie Grande at (360) 943-1600 and indicate how many people from your organization will be attending this event.


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.


Health Care Committee will meet Jan. 19
The AWB Health Care Committee will meet Monday, January 19 at 9 a.m. at AWB. Details will be forthcoming. For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward at (360) 943-1600.


AWB Tax and Fiscal Policy Council meeting Jan. 21
The AWB Tax and Fiscal Policy Council will meet Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 9:30-noon at AWB. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600.


HR and employment law Web conference: What’s in store for 2009?
The results of the fall elections and the unprecedented economic events of the past few months mean big changes are coming in state and federal HR and employment law. Join us as we summarize the highlights of the 2009 federal and state employment law forecast. We will identify the practical implications of new and likely proposals and focus on enabling you to prepare and plan effectively for the new year. Click here to register or contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600 for more information.


Improve your knowledge and skills in the field of safety
AWB and Sedgwick CMS have joined forces to sponsor a free safety academy for all AWB members. This program offers an opportunity for you to obtain Certified Safety Coordinator status upon completion of the seven required classes and five electives. Click here for more information and to download a brochure and view the schedule of classes nearest to you. For further information, contact Bob Meyer.


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


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 your 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.


This week’s President’s Perspective: Be careful with changes to unemployment insurance