Reminder – AWB will be closed on Friday, July 3 – Happy 4th of July!
TOP STORIES
U.S. House of Representatives passes costly cap and trade bill, 219-212
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed legislation Friday that would create a cap and trade system designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. HR 2454 also creates a national renewable energy portfolio standard for electric utility companies and sets energy conservation standards for buildings. The
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the
National Association of Manufacturers, the
American Petroleum Institute and other business organizations opposed the bill based largely on the huge tax increases on energy that will be necessary to implement it. A
Congressional Budget Office analysis indicates that it could add as much as 77 cents to the price of a gallon of gasoline over the next decade. And, according to the
Heritage Foundation, this legislation could cause gas prices to jump 74 percent by 2035. That means, at today’s prices, gasoline would be well over $4 per gallon." The issue now goes to the U.S. Senate. Read more on AWB’s blog,
Olympia Business Watch. For more information, contact AWB’s
Chris McCabe and
Grant Nelson.
$3.5 trillion is estimated cost of House Democrats’ health legislation
According to Bruce Josten of the
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, AWB’s national affiliate,
Health Systems Innovations Network, a non-partisan, independent health care research firm, estimates the costs and impacts of the House Democrats’ tri-committee health care discussion drafts will result in $3.5 trillion of new federal spending.Congress and President Obama need to slow down, do the math and weigh the short and long-term benefits and consequences before taking action. Don't rush. Read more on AWB’s blog,
Olympia Business Watch. For more information, contact AWB’s
Donna Steward.
AWB to intervene on behalf of wind project
AWB has thrown its support to a proposed 75-megawatt wind project in Skamania County and has urged Gov. Chris Gregoire to do the same. AWB President Don Brunell informed the governor last week that his organization will take the unusual step of intervening with the state's
Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council on behalf of
SDS Lumber Co.'s proposed
Whistling Ridge Wind Project. AWB believes the project sets an important precedent for the state's energy future and the future of our forest products industry. The 50 turbines would rise on logged-over timberland near Underwood that is owned by SDS.
Maybe it's time to re-think how workers' comp benefits are figured
The
Department of Labor & Industries announced on Friday that workers' compensation benefits will go up 3.4 percent beginning Wednesday -- surely welcome news for anyone receiving such benefits. But for anyone who runs a business, it could be foreshadowing of a looming rise in workers' comp tax rates. It's not hard to predict that higher benefits will equal higher taxes. The formula for calculating cost-of-living adjustments - based on the average annual wage of all workers in Washington - has resulted in unreasonable increases in recent years and needs to be examined. Read more on AWB’s blog,
Olympia Business Watch. For more information, contact AWB’s
Kris Tefft.
Much ado about health care…for good reason
Millions watched President Obama’s
Prescription for America infomercial Wednesday night, but were disappointed with the lack of detail provided on his goals and ultimate health care proposal.While much has been said and proposals abound, employers should be highly concerned with components of reform efforts that require an employer mandate, stipulate “approved” health care policies for either individuals or employers, change ERISA exemptions and reduce tax credits for employer-sponsored coverage. Any one of these items taken alone will add considerable costs to employers, but in combination, could have devastating consequences. A
recent comparison between the House and Senate proposals reveals that both share many of the same ideas that could spell trouble for employers.We urge members to
share concerns with our Congressional delegation as these discussions continue.For more information, contact AWB’s
Donna Steward.
KEY HEARINGS, MEETINGS
Ecology Director Manning at next Climate Change Subcommittee meeting, July 7
AWB’s Climate Change Subcommittee will meet Tuesday, July 7, from 9–11 a.m., at AWB. Ecology Director Jay Manning will give details on the
Department of Ecology plans to implement Gov. Gregoire’s
executive order on climate change. The executive order signed last month contains many of the same elements as
SB 5735 and
HB 1819, which failed last session. The order directs state agencies to continue participating in the
Western Climate Initiative, develop emission reduction strategies and benchmarks aimed at meeting the state’s 2020 emission reduction targets and establish an agreed order that will require TransAlta’s Centralia coal-fired power plant to meet the state’s emissions performance standard by 2025. The subcommittee will also discuss
HR 2454, which passed last week. For more information, contact AWB’s
Grant Nelson.
Tim Eyman at next Tax and Fiscal Policy Council meeting, July 8
The next meeting of the AWB Tax and Fiscal Policy Council is Wednesday, July 8, 9:30 a.m.-12 noon, at Deloitte (925 Fourth Avenue, Suite 3300, Seatle). Invited speakers include Dylan Waits from the
Department of Revenue to discuss digital goods implementation and Tim Eyman to discuss Initiative 1033, which concerns state, county and city revenue. We will continue discussions on the resellers’ permit requirements and monthly e-filer electronic payment requirements.CPA continuing education credits are available. For more information, contact AWB’s
Amber Carter.
Workers’ Comp Coalition meeting, July 8 at AWB
The next meeting of the employers’ workers’ compensation coalition is taking place Wednesday, July 8, 9:30-12 noon at AWB in Olympia. The agenda will include a review of the rate-setting information shared at the last Workers’ Compensation Advisory Committee as well as a discussion and update on continuing issues. For more information, contact AWB’s
Kris Tefft.
Draft industrial stormwater permit now available for review, comments
The
Department of Ecology’s revised draft Industrial Stormwater General Permit is now available for review and public comment until Wednesday, July 15. Ecology intends to issue the final permit on Oct. 21. The draft permit, fact sheet, workshop schedule and other information is
available online. The proposed draft permit will be especially onerous and costly for small businesses. For more information, contact AWB’s
Grant Nelson.
Immigration Works Washington meeting, July 21 at AWB
The next meeting of Immigration Works Washington, our state’s employer-side immigration reform coalition, is taking place Tuesday, July 21, 10 a.m.-12 noon, at AWB.The agenda is under development and will include a review of recent federal legislative, regulatory, and judicial activity as well as an assessment of coalition-building opportunities in this Washington – and the other one.For more information, contact AWB’s
Kris Tefft.
OTHER NEWS
Washington Business wins again
Late last Friday, we learned that AWB’s award-winning magazine,
Washington Business was awarded silver and honorable mention in the Magnum Opus competition as judged by the University of Missouri School of Journalism. We will learn more about the awards. AWB is competing against Walt Disney, Costco and other major business magazines. As best we can tell, AWB was the only state chamber or manufacturing association to win in the competition. It is the sixth straight year
Washington Business has been recognized.
Applications sought for Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals chair
AWB, in cooperation with the
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, is presently seeking resumes and references from interested individuals who would like to be considered for appointment as chair of the
Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals.The BIIA is a quasi-judicial body governed by the chair, who must be a member of the
Washington State Bar Association and represents the public, and two other board members representing employers and workers respectively. The function of the BIIA is to hear and resolve appeals related to workers’ compensation, workplace safety, and crime victims’ compensation. The chair of the BIIA is appointed by the governor with advice and consent of the state senate, and serves for a six-year term. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, July 31. For more information and a copy of the position announcement, contact AWB’s
Kris Tefft.
Grant money available from L&I for safety and health improvements
The Department of Labor and Industries is accepting new grant applications for improving safety and health at Washington workplaces. A total of $4.1 million dollars will be made available during the next biennium for Safety and Health Investment Projects (SHIP) grants for projects that seek to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, save lives, and educate workers and employers about workplace hazards and safe workplace practices. Priority will be given to proposals that involve cooperation between employers and employees or their representatives. Organizations eligible to
apply for grants include trade and business associations, labor organizations, employers, employee organizations, joint labor/management groups, and groups of employees. Completed applications must be received in the SHIP office or post marked not later than Aug. 31.The SHIP program is hosting grant information sessions in Olympia. For registration information, contact Cathy Hakola at 360.902.5588. For additional information or assistance contact the SHIP program office at 360.902.5588 or
invest@lni.wa.gov. For more information, contact AWB’s
Grant Nelson.
Order your copy of Washington – The Nature of Innovation
AWB is pleased to offer a beautiful new custom book,
Washington – The Nature of Innovation, promoting the economic strengths that make Washington unique. Written by Pulitzer Prize–nominee Bob Condor, the book offers an insightful look at Washington’s storied arts and cultural scene, its universities and colleges, its recreation opportunities and professional sports, and the other lifestyle offerings that contribute to the state’s unbeatable quality of life. The book also discusses Washington’s diverse and robust industries and their impact on the state’s economy and features profiles of companies and organizations that have contributed to Washington’s economic development and success. The book is available for $49.50 for AWB members ($59.50 for non-members) and can be purchased online or by contacting
Jennifer Costello or calling 800.521.9325.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook
AWB recently launched a communications channel through
Twitter, which allows us to post brief (140 characters) updates about AWB events, ask members quick questions, share breaking news and link to resources. Twitter is the third most popular social networking application on the Internet, right behind
MySpace and
Facebook.
Learn more about the site and start
following AWB on Twitter today. AWB also created its own
fan page on Facebook, which provides updates on AWB events and posts on numerous issues. Show your support for AWB by becoming a fan today!
Don’t miss AWB’s new Member Spotlight
Be sure to check out the new
AWB Member Spotlight, our online profile of the awards and achievements of AWB members. We’ve recently published stories on
Westshare Services,
Pendleton Woolen Mills,
Battelle Memorial Institute,
AWB members who won 2009 Seattle Wine Awards,
Sterling Savings Bank and
Blumenthal Uniform Company. If you have a good news story about your company, send it to AWB’s
Paul Schlienz.
Federal recovery funds available for industrial energy efficiency improvements
The
U.S. Department of Energy recently announced the availability of $156 million in federal recovery funding for energy efficiency improvements in the industrial sector. There is a very quick turnaround on these funds, and proposals are due Tuesday, July 14. DOE is looking for shovel-ready projects that will help create or preserve jobs while reducing industrial energy use. More information
here and by contacting AWB’s
Grant Nelson.
AWB EVENTS & RESOURCES
AWB’s 20th Annual Policy Summit Sept. 22-24 at Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum
The 2009 AWB Policy Summit is designed to help reduce the uncertainty of today’s tumultuous economic times. We've assembled a team of national and local experts to chart a course through the turbulence, including pollster John Zogby and former presidential adviser David Gergen. Make plans now to be there. View additional information
here. To register, contact AWB’s
Jennifer Costello at 800.521.9325.
AWB members save up to 26 percent on UPS shipping!
AWB and UPS have partnered on a new program to help save members time and money. With discounts on UPS Next Day Air
®, UPS Worldwide Express
SM and UPS 2nd Day Air A.M
®, you can save up to 26 percent on shipping costs! Find out how to take advantage of these savings today by calling 800.325.7000. Be sure to identify yourself as an AWB member.
Online HR training at your fingertips — special pricing for AWB members
In view of the explosion of employment claims in recent years, employers of all sizes are vulnerable to employment disputes. New and proposed legislation continues to expand employers' exposure to claims. In fact, overall employment discrimination claims are up by 15 percent. In addition, state and federal harassment training mandates are quickly evolving; 2009 is a mandated training year for many organizations with multi-state operations. To help your company avoid problems and stay in compliance, AWB is offering a new member benefit giving you 20 percent off one of the best
Online HR Compliance Training programs on the market. View a two-minute course preview movie
here. To receive your AWB member discount code, contact AWB’s
Jennifer Davis.
Social media policies and ethical concerns on the rise
AWB can help your company stay on top of emerging human resource issues. A growing concern for companies of all sizes and types is employees' use of social media and resulting complications. Also, June is typically the month when many companies start mobilizing for harassment training. In deference to this trend, we've included our 5 Harassment Training Tips inour new Harassment Investigation Workbook for HR professionals. Read these stories and get our Training Tips and Investigation Workbook by clicking
here. For more information about AWB’s HR training and education programs, visit our Web site at
http://www.awb.org/ or contact AWB’s
Jennifer Davis at 800.521.9325.
THEY SAID IT
"I have serious concerns about this so-called ‘cap and trade’ legislation. At a time when our economy is hurting, taxing hardworking families and small businesses is the last thing Congress should do. Instead of taxing energy,or instituting a trading scheme, I strongly support a plan that encourages responsible energy development, conservation and innovation.” –
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-SpokaneThis Week's President's Perspective: Join the union – or else
