TOP STORIES
EPA administrator admits cap-and-trade won't help if U.S. acts alone
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson confirmed an analysis from her agency Tuesday that shows any effort the U.S. undertakes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will have no effect on the climate unless other countries also join in. Her comment came as the U.S. Senate picked up the debate on controversial cap-and-trade legislation that won narrow approval last month in the House of Representatives. As if on cue, the next day China, India and other developing countries refused to accept mandatory emissions controls to which the Group of 8 nations, gathered in Italy for talks dominated by climate change, hoped they would agree. All the more reason to put the brakes on the cap-and-trade steamroller and think carefully before making the United States less competitive for business through international agreements or making Washington state less competitive through regional agreements or go-it-alone state regulations. Read more on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch.


Tell your member of Congress to oppose flawed federal health care plan
The federal government is in the process of preparing an overhaul of the U.S. health care system, and it goes far beyond covering the uninsured. Congressional proposals could mean restricted access to health care services, employee taxation of health care benefits, employer mandates, and less economic security for all Americans, and it won’t be cheap. 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. Read more on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch. Tell your member of Congress to oppose these flawed health care proposals and instead support meaningful reform that addresses rising health care costs and improves access. For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward.


Boeing purchase a 'wake-up call' for Washington business
Last Tuesday's announcement from Boeing that it is buying a South Carolina production plant that produces sections of the 787 rear fuselage triggered immediate, unequivocal responses from some of the state's business leaders: It is time to make a compelling case for Washington. Despite a statement from Gov. Chris Gregoire saying that Boeing has not made any decisions about a possible second 787 production line, the group is concerned that labor dispute and other factors could lead the company to look to South Carolina to do just that.
“This is our wake-up call," said AWB President Don Brunell. "In this economic climate, businesses must locate where they have the best chance for success. If staying in Washington makes Boeing less competitive, it has to look at other options. Boeing must deliver value to their customers by delivering products cost-effectively and on time. That means Boeing cannot have frequent strikes and labor discord.” Read more on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch.


Goldmark blocks Maury Island aggregate project
State Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark is blocking a plan to build a large gravel-loading dock on Maury Island to serve an aggregate mining project. On Tuesday, Goldmark asked Glacier Northwest to suspend all activities at the site until the Department of Natural Resources is satisfied it can meet all of its environmental requirements under its lease requirements. This delay, clearly a payback to the environmental groups who supported Goldmark in his 2008 election campaign, comes after 10 years of permitting and court challenges by state and federal agencies that determined that the project was environmentally sound. This decision, if allowed, would put into jeopardy any permit or lease the DNR has issued. Read more at the News-Tribune.


KEY HEARINGS, MEETINGS
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 permit signals the department’s intent to adopt the most stringent industrial stormwater permit on the planet. If adopted, the permit will be especially onerous and costly for small businesses, requiring expensive and untested stormwater control technology to meet standards that cannot be achieved. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


Immigration Works Washington meeting at AWB July 21
The next meeting of Immigration Works Washington, our state’s employer-side immigration reform coalition, is taking place Tuesday, July 21, 10 a.m.- 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.


Hammond, Fromhold at AWB Transportation Committee meeting on July 23
AWB’s Transportation Committee will meet Thursday, July 23, 10 a.m.- noon, in Seattle.Invited guest speakers include state Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond, who will provide an update on transportation stimulus dollars and the progress of the Nickel and Transportation Partnership Act projects. In addition, former Vancouver-area Rep. Bill Fromhold will have an update on the Columbia River Crossing project. Other discussion topics include the recent transportation partnership advisory group formed by the Washington Transportation Commission and a preliminary preparation for the 2010 session. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter.


OTHER NEWS
Input needed on permit and license streamlining and regulatory reform
At AWB’s Governmental Affairs Council retreat in June, representatives from Gov. Gregoire’s office asked for AWB’s assistance in identifying duplicative and redundant licensing and permitting processes at the state and local levels of government. In an effort to save state agencies money and reduce regulatory burdens on businesses, AWB’s Regulatory Reform Committee is scheduling a meeting with the governor’s staff to explore different ideas on how to accomplish these goals. If you’re interested in participating on AWB’s Regulatory Reform Committee, please send your contact information to AWB’s Connie Grande. For questions about the process, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe or AWB’s Grant Nelson.


Applications sought for Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals chair
AWB, in cooperation with the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, is presently seeking résumés 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 & Industries is accepting new grant applications for improving safety and health at Washington workplaces. A total of $4.1 million 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. AWB’s Grant Nelson serves on the department’s SHIP Advisory Committee that will review and help select grant recipients from hundreds of applications from organizations eligible to apply for grants, including 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 more information, contact Cathy Hakola in the department’s SHIP program office at 360.902.5588 or invest@lni.wa.gov.


DOR needs volunteers for usability testing on new resellers permit
AWB is working closely with the Department of Revenue on implementing the new requirement to change the blanket resale certificate to a resellers permit.The permit is free and is issued by DOR to those companies eligible based on various criteria.For those not automatically eligible, they would need to apply to DOR for a resellers permit. This change goes into effect on Jan. 1.DOR will hold usability testing sessions to ensure their processes and documents are clear and usable.The process will take about an hour, can be done over the phone or at your business. To volunteer, contact Eric Jones at 360.705.6735.For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter.


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 hardcover coffee table book is available for $49.50 to AWB members ($59.50 for non-members) and can be purchased by contacting AWB’s Jennifer Costello at 800.521.9325


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 is available online or by contacting AWB’s Grant Nelson.


AWB EVENTS & RESOURCES
Remember: Federal minimum wage rate increases on July 24
The current federal rate of $6.55 per hour will increase to $7.25 per hour on Friday, July 24. All covered employers, regardless of size, are required to post the most recent minimum wage poster. To purchase an updated federal poster, contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello.


Don’t miss out on AWB’s July publications sale
Right now, AWB members can take 20 percent off their purchase of all H.R. guides and handbooks. These publications are useful tools to help employers prevent problems in the H.R. area. All guides are Washington specific (covering state and federal laws), written in plain English, include checklists, sample policies or forms and fully indexed so you can find the answers you’re seeking quickly and easily. For a complete listing of publications and prices, click here. To order, contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello and mention the Fast Facts discount!


Employment Concerns in a Challenging Economy Webinar — Aug. 6
Today’s tough economy poses unique challenges for employers of all sizes and types. Join us for a 90-minute Webinar, on Thursday, Aug. 6, that will cover topics including properly handling terminations and layoffs, severance packages and agreements, unemployment insurance issues, and changes to COBRA continuation of health coverage. To register for this informative Webinar, please click here or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello.


Successfully Navigating Leaves of Absence Laws Webinar — Aug. 19
A widening gap between state and federal leave requirements has further complicated the already cumbersome legal requirements for employers. This 90-minute Webinar, on Wednesday, Aug. 19, will benefit small businesses owners, HR professionals and managers of all kinds by providing a look at the latest developments in state and federal leave laws as well as potential strategies for dealing with them effectively. For additional information or to register, click here or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello.


AWB’s 20^th 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. Put this on your calendar today! To register, contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello.


THEY SAID IT
"Unless supporters of cap-and-trade legislation can develop a plan to convince China and India to make meaningful emissions reductions on par with the United States, no such bill will pass the U.S. Senate." – Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla.


This Week's President's Perspective: Better, Less Costly Ways to Reduce Greenhouse Gases