TOP STORIES
Governor will likely call special legislative session mid-May or early June
The regular legislative session ended April 26, butGov. Chris Gregoire may call lawmakers back for a one-day special session in mid-May or early June.The governor has been meeting with Democratic leaders to limit the session to just a handful of issues necessary to implement the 2009-11 operating budget. However, there is always the possibility that a special session could run up to 30 days and that other issues of significant concern to the business community could be resurrected.


Keep tabs on H1N1 flu via www.AWB.org
As of today, health officials say there are 35 probable cases of the Influenza A/H1N1 virus in Washington state. State health officials are still waiting confirmation of the virus from the federal Centers for Disease Control. AWB is working with the state’s Emergency Management Division to provide businesses with updates and resources on the virus outbreak. Keep checking AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch, for the most current information available.


AWB looks back on 2009 legislative session
How did the legislative session impact business? AWB President Don Brunell and AWB Vice President of Government Affairs Gary Chandler look back on the 2009 session in our latest podcast. Issues covered include employment and environmental legislation.


Former Tacoma News Tribune writer joins AWB
AWB is pleased to welcome Jason Hagey aboard as a communications project manager. A journalist by training, Hagey spent the last six years covering the City of Tacoma and as a sometimes-legislative reporter for the Tacoma News Tribune. His writing skills and experience with social media (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) will be a tremendous asset to our work here at the association.


2009 LEGISLATIVE RECAP
Each session, AWB’s Government Affairs team tracks a range of issues and bills affecting business in Washington state. Today’s issue of Fast Facts is a bit longer than usual because it includes a brief synopsis of priority legislation and other key bills by issue area. Watch for additional analysis of the 2009 session in the summer issue of Washington Business magazine.


CONSTRUCTION/LAND USE
GMA/climate change legislation fails to survive
SHB 1490, sponsored by Rep. Sharon Nelson, D-Maury Island, and 2SSB 5687, sponsored by Sen. Chris Marr D-Spokane, attempted to address climate change at the local government level by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through land use and transportation requirements. These bills aimed to amend Washington’s Growth Management Act to require local governments to design super-dense “transit-oriented communities” and reduce vehicle miles traveled to reduce vehicle emissions. Concerned about an enormous amount of new land use appeals under the GMA and an unfunded mandate on local governments, AWB strongly opposed this legislation. Both bills died before the Legislature adjourned on April 26. For more information, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe.


Home construction warranty bill meets surprising demise
E2SHB 1393, sponsored by Rep. Larry Springer, D-Kirkland, addressed residential real property construction improvements through consumer education, warranty protections, contractor registration requirements, and worker certification standards. The Senate Ways and Means Committee amended the House bill to include harmful statutory warranties that would have greatly increased litigation and builder liability without providing homeowners with any meaningful protection. AWB appreciates the work of Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, in crafting a more thoughtful and reasonable floor striking amendment to the bill. As a result of Sen. Haugen’s proposed amendment and hard work, E2SHB 1393 died (as did its Senate counterpart, E2SSB 5895, sponsored by Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Medina) before the Legislature adjourned. For more information, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe.


Green building legislation passes
E2SSB 5854, sponsored by Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, aims to reduce climate pollution in the built environment. This bill requires that, using the 2006 State Energy Code as a baseline, all new residential and commercial buildings in Washington, including substantial remodels of existing buildings, must be 70 percent more energy efficient by the year 2031. AWB appreciates the assistance of Sen. Kilmer and Rep. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island, in amending the bill to remove the short-term standards that would have significantly increased building costs and builder liability. In reaching the 2031 target, the bill now gives the State Building Code Council the ability to suspend energy code and efficiency updates based on cost and other economic factors. E2SSB 5854 passed the Legislature on April 21. For more information, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe.


Harmful shoreline use bill dies
HB 1653, sponsored by Rep. Geoff Simpson, D-Covington, and SB 5726, sponsored by Sen. Adam Kline, D-Seattle, attempted to legislatively overturn a recent Supreme Court case concerning the integration of Shoreline Management Act policies with the Growth Management Act. In Futurewise v. Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board, the court held that the SMA and Shoreline Master Programs control the shorelines, not the GMA. This legislation would have created a great number of residential and commercial non-conforming uses on Washington’s shorelines if governed under GMA Critical Area Ordinances. AWB strongly opposed this legislation. Both bills died in their respective houses. For more information, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe.


EDUCATION
Legislature approves WASL reform bill
ESSB5414, sponsored by Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, made several changes to the Washington Assessment of Student Learning system and was delivered to the governor for her signature on April 22. The changes included reductions in the number of open-ended responses on the WASL assessments used at all grade levels; revised definition and additional clarification of end of course assessments for high school math courses; development of an implementation plan to assure students have the opportunity to learn the new math and science standards; and extension of the timeline for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to present selected science curriculum to the State Board of Education for approval. Many of the components of this measure are positive steps for the system, but AWB will keep a cautious eye on this bill as it is ultimately implemented. For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward.


Bill to increase early focus on science and technology careers passed by Legislature
2SSB 5676, sponsored by Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, encourages more middle schools and junior highs to develop career and technical education courses and programs focused on science, technology, engineering and math by eliminating restrictions that required dedicated state funding prior to development of the program.Schools interested in developing or expanding such programs must have their programs approved by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, but they may move forward with the programs even if specific state dollars are not provided.This year’s operating budget provides $3.7 million to schools interested in maintaining or starting such programs but schools may now use existing state allocations or levy dollars to engage in such programs, as well.This measure, which passed the Legislature, is a positive step toward helping students engage in career interests at an early age.For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward.


EMPLOYER ISSUES/LEGAL
Onerous “Worker Privacy Act” bites the dust
HB 1528 and SB 5446, the so-called “Worker Privacy Act,” was introduced in the legislative session as organized labor’s top priority.Sponsored by Rep. Mike Sells, D-Everett, in the House and Sen. Margarita Prentice, D-Renton, in the Senate, the bill restricted an employer’s ability to effectively communicate its position on matters affecting labor organizing or bargaining under the guise of protecting employees from forced listening to political or religious messages in the workplace — with “political” defined to include matters related to labor unions.AWB opposed this “gag rule” as an unconstitutional, unnecessary and unworkable prohibition that sends a chilling message to job providers at a time when the state needs jobs the most.The bill galvanized the business community into unified opposition and the bill failed to emerge from its house of origin at the first required deadline. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft.


Legislature throws a century of workers’ comp law out the window
SHB 1402, sponsored by Rep. Brendan Williams, D-Olympia, changes nearly a century of workers’ compensation law by restricting employers and, to a lesser extent, the Dept. of Labor & Industries, from communicating with a claimant’s workplace injury medical provider once a claim goes on administrative appeal by effectively channeling all communication through the claimant’s attorney. AWB opposed SHB 1402 because it adds legal complexity and delay to the informal administrative resolution of workers’ comp claims, thereby increasing costs and workers’ comp taxes. The bill, a top priority of the state trial lawyers’ association, passed the Legislature.AWB has asked the governor to veto SHB 1402. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft.


Restrictions on retro groups’ freedoms of speech and association die in House
ESSB 6035, introduced late in session by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, attempted to capitalize on the disclosure of a computer coding error in Dept. of Labor & Industries’ retrospective ratings program. The error resulted in overpayments to some retro groups in order to implement a series of regulations and restrictions on the manner in which retro group sponsors operate their programs.The bill was described as proving greater oversight and transparency to the program, but was opposed by a unified retro community (and several major state editorial pages) as an effort to limit the freedom of speech and association of retro groups and their voluntary members.After passing the Senate on a 25-24 vote with bipartisan opposition, the bill never came to a vote in the House. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft.


Legislature approves delay of Paid Family Leave
ESB 6158, introduced by Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines, reflected the Legislature’s attempt to deal with the unfunded and unimplemented paid family leave law passed in 2007 and set to pay benefits starting October 1, 2009.Because of the unfunded entitlement on the books, the Legislature had to either fund, delay or repeal the program, this year.AWB supported bills to repeal the program — HB 1160, sponsored by Rep. Cary Condotta, R-East Wenatchee, and SB 5558, sponsored by Sen. Janea Holmquist, R-Moses Lake — but they did not receive a hearing in either chamber. ESB 6158 simply delays the start of the program from 2009 to 2012, in hopes that funding will be identified in the meantime. AWB facilitated an amendment that de-coupled any funding of the program from the state’s workers’ compensation pension fund, as had been originally envisioned. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft.


AWB requests partial veto of bill that expands Consumer Protection Act
SSB 5531, sponsored by Sen. Debbie Regala, D-Tacoma, expands the state’s Consumer Protection Act by increasing the cap on punitive damages available in a CPA lawsuit from $10,000 to $25,000 as a way to incentivize pursuing such claims.Although this figure is a reasonable reflection of inflation and represented a compromise from earlier drafts of the bill, the second section of the bill undermines settled Washington Supreme Court precedent on the elements of proof a plaintiff must show in a CPA lawsuit in order to prevail, thereby greatly expanding the possibility of lawsuit abuse under the CPA.The bill passed the Legislature and was delivered to Gov. Gregoire for signing on April 22. AWB has joined other liability reform allies in asking to the governor to veto Section 2 of the bill. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft.


ENERGY
Legislature misses major opportunity to protect ratepayers from escalating power costs
ESSB 5840, sponsored by Sen. Chris Marr, D-Spokane, would have amended Initiative 937, which as was narrowly passed by voters in 2006. I-937 mandates that Washington utilities with over 25,000 customers acquire 15 percent of their electricity from renewable energy resources by 2020. ESSB 5840 would have provided these utilities with additional flexibility afforded to similarly situated utilities in Oregon and California, by expanding the list of items that qualify as renewable energy resources and greatly expanding the geographic area where those renewable resources could be acquired. This additional flexibility would have protected Washington’s families and businesses from escalating power costs under the existing I-937 standards. Unfortunately, a handful of legislators representing two large, publicly-owned utilities killed the bill during the waning hours of the legislative session. AWB strongly supported this legislation and will continue to work on I-937 to protect Washington’s families and businesses from artificially inflated power bills. For more information, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe.


Legislature wisely extends incentives for renewable energy
ESSB 6170, sponsored by Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, extends the June 30, 2009, sunset date of the retail sales and use tax exemptions for machinery and equipment used to generate electricity using wind, solar, landfill gas, fuel cells, biomass, tidal and wave energy, geothermal and anaerobic digestion as a power source, to June 30, 2011. The exemption decreased from 100 percent to 75 percent from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2013, when it will again sunset. In repealing the 0.3 sales tax exemption for hybrid vehicles, the bill also reduces the public utility tax on log truck hauling by 0.6 percent; provides a sales tax exemption for “hog fuel” used to produce electricity, steam, heat, or biofuel; and provides a B&O tax credit for biomass and solar and semiconductors. AWB strongly supports renewable energy resources and believes tax incentives are the right way to promote and assist the growing renewable energy market. ESSB 6170 passed the Legislature on April 26. For more information, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe.


ENVIRONMENT
Governor’s climate change bill appears dead for 2009
Gov. Gregoire’s greenhouse gas reduction legislation, SB 5735, sponsored by Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Bainbridge Island, died in the Senate in the remaining days of session. The initial legislation committed Washington to a potentially costly cap and trade program. Although much-improved compared to earlier versions of the bill, AWB raised significant concerns regarding the vehicle miles traveled language added to SB 5735 in the House, which required regional transportation plans to reduce annual per capita vehicle miles traveled by 18 percent by 2020, 30 percent by 2035 and 50 percent by 2050.

Another climate-related measure, SB 5560, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Island, was amended in the House with equally onerous VMT language. The bill would have jeopardized funding for local infrastructure and economic development projects by requiring all state agencies to consider whether the entity receiving the funds has adopted policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including whether the project is consistent with the statewide goals to reduce annual per capita vehicle miles traveled. AWB has written a letter to the governor asking for a veto of Section 9 of the bill, which contains the VMT amendment language. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


AWB-supported wastewater fee bill signed by governor
HB 1413, sponsored by Rep. John McCoy, D-Tulalip, was signed into law last week. HB 1413 allows the Dept. of Ecology to raise wastewater discharge fees paid by municipalities, which are largely subsidized by permit fees paid by larger businesses. The legislation also requires Ecology to evaluate the existing wastewater permit fee structure, consider the economic impact of fees on small businesses and prohibits the department from raising permit fees for businesses whose fees exceed the costs of managing their permits. AWB and member organizations will continue participating in Ecology’s permit fee advisory committee to ensure that future permit fees are equitable for the business community. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


Petroleum stormwater tax legislation appears dead
HB 1614, sponsored by Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane, failed to make it past the Senate in time for the conclusion of the 2009 regular session. HB 1614, which was vigorously opposed by AWB, would have placed a $1.50 per barrel tax on petroleum products at a cost of $128 million per year for Washington businesses and citizens. The monies were to be used by local governments to offset costs related to stormwater permit requirements. AWB and member organizations advocated that it was unwise to pass onerous taxes, estimated to be $1.2 billion over the next 10 years by the Office of Financial Management in these already difficult economic times. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


Governor signs AWB-supported air quality legislation
On April 29, Gov. Gregoire signed SB 5565, sponsored by Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Bainbridge Island, allowing a local air pollution control authority or the Dept. of Ecology to prohibit solid fuel burning devices that do not meet certification requirements in areas of the state that are not complying with air quality standards. Wood smoke has been identified as a significant contributor of air quality pollution in Washington state, especially during winter months and by requiring that newer cleaner burning stoves be used in areas of the state that have known air quality problems, we can hopefully avoid serious impacts on the economy from costly regulations on businesses and loss of revenues for state transportation projects. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


HEALTH CARE
Legislature passes health care cost transparency measure
SHB 1869, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, addresses one very important key to controlling health care costs — assuring patients have the information they need to make informed decisions regarding the care they receive.This bill is important because accessing information on health care costs is critical to understanding health care choices and empowering individuals to take control of health care decisions. While many providers readily supply health care costs when asked, too many consumers are unable to access even simple information regarding the cost of a routine office visit.This measure, which was an AWB Health Care Committee priority issue, has been delivered to the governor. For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward.


Assault on association health plans dies
Once again, the affordable health care options provided by association health plans were threatened by the Legislature.HB 1714, sponsored by Rep. Eileen Cody, D-Seattle, started out requiring that all AHPs follow small group market requirements, which, in many cases, would have significantly increased AHP premiums.The bill was subsequently turned into a study that also gave the Office of the Insurance Commissioner rule-making authority that could have crippled the plans, as well. In the end, both the study bill and a budget proviso authorizing the study failed to pass the Legislature. AWB opposed these attempts and will continue to oppose any threats to AHPs that will significantly impact the affordability of this important health care coverage. For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward.


Governor signs AWB-priority small employer wellness plans measure into law
Another measure of the AWB Health Care Committee was SSB 6019, sponsored by Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines, which provides small employers with incentives to develop long-term wellness programs.This measure allows small employers to partner with insurers to develop outcome-based wellness programs and if the employer meets the agreed upon outcomes, allows the employer to negotiate with the insurer for lower premium rates reflective of the efforts of the wellness program. Gov. Gregoire signed this legislation into law on April 17. For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward.


Potentially costly Washington health partnership bill passes Legislature
SSB 5945, sponsored by Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines, requires the state to develop a Medicaid waiver that will merge the Medicaid and Basic Health Plan programs into one program to serve individuals under 200 percent of the federal poverty level.Approval of this waiver will mean a significant expansion of Medicaid eligibility and tie the state to future funding obligations to fulfill the new requirements.This measure also volunteers the state to be a pilot site for the yet to be determined federal health care reform initiatives without consideration of the cost of such efforts.AWB opposed this legislation, which was delivered to the governor April 25. For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward.


TAX AND FISCAL
Digital goods bill passes Senate, now goes to governor for action
Lawmakers approved HB 2075, sponsored by Rep. Ross Hunter, D-Medina, which will establish a broad definition of digital products while providing a generous exemption for business inputs that include digital products.The need for clarity in our tax code, certainty for economic development decisions and conformity for continued Streamlined Sales Use and Tax Agreement compliance is critical to address in the 2009 session.AWB supported HB 2075 and expects the governor will sign the bill. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter.

Language that made individuals responsible for corporate tax liabilities removed from SB 6169
The Senate amended SB 6169, sponsored by Sen. Margarita Prentice, D-Renton, to remove provisions that would have required individuals to take responsibility for all tax and fee liabilities of a company such as an LLC and others. AWB believes we should help employers struggling with their tax liability in this economy instead of creating barriers to being in business, and worked hard to make sure the Legislature removed the onerous provisions from this bill before it passed the Legislature. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter.


House removes onerous contractor requirements from SB 6173
The House removed language that would have increased contractors’ up-front costs by nearly 10 percent from SB 6173, sponsored by Sen. Margarita Prentice, D-Renton. In addition, the House also removed language to increase penalties on contractors. AWB was in the forefront of opposing these measures and is pleased that the final bill that passed the Legislature does not include such damaging elements. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter.


County utility tax and brokered natural gas proposals stripped from final version of SB 5433
SB 5433, sponsored by Sen. Debbie Regala, D-Tacoma, was approved this session without the AWB-opposed language to allow county utility taxes and enact brokered natural gas proposals. The final bill includes modest changes in local revenue flexibility for criminal justice and mental health funding in addition to allowing a vote of the people on a $20 car tab increase for transit funding. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter.


Legislature revises education financing structure
After months of deliberation, the Legislature passed a new K-12 education funding structure intended to more closely align education funding with student achievement expectations.This measure, ESHB 2261, sponsored by Rep. Pat Sullivan, D-Covington, includes some positive elements that will restructure funding allocation based on the definition of a prototypical school. AWB followed the initial work of the legislative task force, which included greater focus on school accountability and teacher performance as integral tools to improving student achievement. We are disappointed to see that these elements are mere mentions in the final legislation and will work to ensure they are included in the final system when it is fully implemented. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter.


TECHNOLOGY
RFID legislation partially vetoed
HB 1011, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Morris, D-Mount Vernon, regulates the use of radio frequency identification microchips. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Gregoire on April 13. However, the governor vetoed a section of the bill requiring the Office of the Attorney General to make annual recommendations to the Legislature regarding potentially invasive technologies, citing fiscal concerns for the agency and a potential stifling of emerging technologies. During the 2009 session, AWB worked with Rep. Morris to ensure that the legislation would not burden the business community. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


TRANSPORTATION
$7.5 billion transportation budget sent to governor
The final $7.5 billion state transportation budget is expected to create 46,000 jobs through the construction of more than 400 projects across the state. Decisions were finally made to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a tunnel, institute tolls on the 520 Bridge and build additional ferries. Additional savings and efficiencies are required under the new budget, including continuation of the governor’s hiring freeze.The budget directs transportation agencies to reduce operating expenditures by five percent, saving $21 million per biennium and directs closure of up to 25 licensing service offices. The proposal relies on the use of 30-year bonds instead of 25-year bonds.The Joint Transportation Committee will study long-term transportation funding options that are less reliant on declining gas-tax revenue.While the budget continues progress and funding of the “nickel” and 2005 Transportation Partnership Act projects, there are some projects that are not ready or were delayed for other reasons.A budget summary, project lists and the full budget are available online. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter.


Legislature approves AWB-priority legislation on highway contract bonds
An AWB priority bill concerning bond amounts for highway contracts — SB 5499, sponsored by Sen. Fred Jarrett, D-Mercer Island — passed the Legislature April 26.AWB supports this Dept. of Transportation request measure as a way to increase competition on highway contracts to reduce costs.SB 5499 will allow for greater savings on pending mega projects.The House amended the bill to require the governor, in consultation with the director of the Office of Financial Management and the DOT secretary, to approve contracts and bond amounts for projects in an amount less than the full contract price.Additionally, the House amended the bill to require the OFM to separately review and approve the analysis by DOT. Although AWB believes this language is unnecessary, it does not interfere with the goals of the underlying bill. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter.


Street utility tax legislation dead for 2009 session
The street utility tax legislation – HB 1947, sponsored by Rep. Geoff Simpson, D-Covington — failed to pass the House Transportation Committee after strenuous opposition from the business community.AWB opposed the bill based on constitutional concerns, increased administrative burdens, unreliable data to establish tax rates and the inability for Washington citizens to absorb higher taxes in a recession. Efforts to establish a general utility tax in SB 5433, sponsored by Sen. Debbie Regala, D-Tacoma, also failed to pass this session. Advocates for this legislation will likely push a street tax again in the 2010 session.AWB will keep you posted on any developments for stakeholder discussions over the summer and fall. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter.


UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
UI conformity bill passes in form supported by AWB
AWB priority legislation SSB 5963, sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, to revise our state unemployment insurance tax structure so that it meets federal requirements and reinstate voluntary quit protections, passed the Legislature during the last hours of the legislative session. Amendments placed on the bill that would have increased UI benefits and taxes, opening the door on voluntary quit issues, were removed, allowing the bill to move forward in basically the same structure as originally introduced by the business community.One final amendment allows extension of benefits, which will for the most part be paid by the federal government.However, those employers who reimburse the UI system rather than pay UI taxes will pay 100 percent of these additional costs. For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward.


AWB EVENTS & RESOURCES
Immigration reform meeting tomorrow at AWB
Immigration Works, Washington, formerly the AWB Immigration Reform Coalition, will meet at AWB on Tuesday, May 5, 10 a.m. to noon. Pramila Jayapal, of One America, an immigrant advocacy organization, will discuss her group’s study of immigrant workers’ role in Washington’s economy. An update on national legislative activity related to immigration is also on the agenda. For more information, contact Kris Tefft.


Tax and Fiscal Policy Council meeting May 12
AWB’s Tax and Fiscal Policy Council will meet Tuesday, May 12, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, at Deloitte (925 Fourth Avenue, Ste. 3300, Seattle).AWB members will receive an update on the 2009 legislative session, review Dept. of Revenue implementation plans on digital goods and sellers’ permits and develop a work plan for the interim.For more information, contact Amber Carter.


AWB Workers’ Comp Coalition meets on May 18
The AWB Workers’ Comp Coalition will hold its post-legislative session meeting on Monday, May 18, 9:30 a.m. to noon, at AWB. For more information, contact Kris Tefft.


Canadian ambassador to speak at AWB Spring Meeting
AWB is pleased to welcome Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, Michael Wilson, as the opening speaker at the annual Spring Meeting in Spokane on Tuesday, May 19. Ambassador Wilson will speak for an hour beginning at 3:30 p.m.; a reception will immediately follow his presentation. Read more on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch. Following the reception, AWB will host its traditional dinner and Community Service Awards ceremony. Colleen Brown, CEO of Fisher Communications, will be the featured speaker that evening. Register for the event online. For more information, contact AWB’s Jennifer Davis at 360.943.1600.


Online HR training at your fingertips — special pricing for AWB members
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. Watch a two-minute course preview online or contact Jennifer Davis for your AWB member discount code.


New AWB salary and benefits survey is here: Results are FREE
WageAccess® will provide AWB members with current and accurate on-line salary and benefits survey results for FREE for a limited time. AWB participants who sign-up using promotion code AWB223 and submit survey data before May 31 will receive one month of FREE access to the WageAccess® basic survey results (a $199 value). View more additional program information and sign-up for this limited offer here.


Wage & Hour Law Seminar – June 9 in Bellevue
A steady stream of wage and hour litigation threatens to inundate employers. Those investigations often result in considerable fines to the employer as a result of the employer’s failure to keep proper records and pay its employees accurately and in a timely fashion. Join us for this half day seminar and leave with rock-solid knowledge and the confidence to make the right decisions. Protect your organization and your career. It couldn’t be easier. Register online or contact Jennifer Costello.


Free Safety Education Webinars
AWB and Sedgwick CMS offer courses for safety and non-safety professionals who wish to increase their safety knowledge and effectiveness in developing and administering safety programs within their company. We have identified that the two most common causes of injuries are overexertion resulting in back and shoulder injuries and slips, trips and falls either from tripping over uneven surfaces, slipping on floors, or falling from heights. We offer free educational webinars to all AWB members on these topics to help you identify and control these risks in your workplace. For additional information and webinar training dates, click here.  


THEY SAID IT
“Despite an economic downturn, the state is still expected to bring in about the same revenue from the last budget and this new budget. This budget continues business as usual, there is no change like the public has asked for. The majority has avoided every effort to prioritize what's important to the citizens of this state. Nothing has been done to help employers create jobs to energize our economy.” – Rep. Bruce Chandler, R-Granger