TOP STORIES
Gregoire, McKenna address members at AWB’s Legislative Day
Last Wednesday at AWB’s Legislative Day in Olympia, AWB members heard from two of the state’s top elected officials. Gov. Chris Gregoire opened the morning session with remarks on a variety of legislative topics, including a desire to find an alternative to the B&O tax. She expressed impatience with state lawmakers, saying they appear to be waiting for federal stimulus money when they should be cutting spending in the face of the state budget shortfall. “I think it’s come clear now the stimulus is not going to bail out the budget,” said Gregoire.

Later over lunch, members heard Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna urge the business community to stay involved in the legislative process in order to keep the state economically viable. “The day that the business community stops being involved is the day this state will have to close up shop,” he said. McKenna then joined AWB President Don Brunell and AWB Chairman Jack McRae in awarding 21 businesses with Better Workplace Awards. The honors recognize companies that go the extra mile in providing a family-friendly work environment, promoting safety and enabling employees to achieve their best. “The 21 companies we’re honoring today represent what’s working in today’s tough economy,” said AWB President Don Brunell. “These employers are investing in their employees and getting creative when it comes to solving challenges in the workplace.” Read more about this year’s winners and view photos from the award ceremony.

Finally, a big thank you to all of this year’s Legislative Day sponsors who helped make the event a success. If you were unable to attend AWB’s Legislative Day in Olympia, you can catch the legislative panel discussions on health care and the environment on TVW.


Next revenue forecast due Thursday
The Economic and Revenue Forecast Council will release a preliminary revenue forecast at the Legislature’s request on Thursday, Feb. 19.This will not replace the official March revenue forecast; it will only serve as early guidance regarding the impact of deteriorating economic conditions on state revenues since the last official forecast in November. At a recent AWB Lobby Lunch, House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, said the deficit could grow to $8.5 billion. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600.


KEY HEARINGS, MEETINGS
Lobby Lunch No. 4: Linville and Alexander focus on budget shortfall
Two of the Legislature’s most important budgeters, Rep. Kelli Linville, D-Bellingham, and Rep. Gary Alexander, R-Olympia, discussed the state’s budget crisis last Thursday at AWB’s Lobby Lunch. Linville spoke of the budget crisis as an opportunity for restructuring state government. “It’s easier to make changes when there’s no money,” Linville said. You can hear more from Rep. Alexander via our podcast.


Senate Majority Leader Brown at AWB’s Lobby Lunch on Feb. 19
The next Lobby Lunch will be this Thursday, Feb. 19, beginning at noon at AWB. This week’s guest is Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane. Attendees should RSVP by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Individual lunches are $14. For more information, contact AWB’s Connie Grande at (360) 943-1600.


Digital goods bill to get public hearing
The House Finance Committee will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Feb. 19 to hear HB 2075, sponsored by Rep. Ross Hunter, D-Medina, which establishes greater clarity in the tax code on electronically delivered products in light of previous task force work, agency and legislative actions and changes in the streamlined sales tax agreement.Additional amendments are critical for business community support. Rep. Hunter is willing to work with employers to address our concerns.AWB’s Tax and Fiscal Policy Council will meet Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 9:30 a.m. in Olympia to discuss this proposal further, consider potential amendments and strategize for the Feb. 19 hearing. For more information, contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600.


Brinks bill will be heard in committee
Both HB 2176, sponsored by Rep. Steve Conway, D-Tacoma, and SB 5463, sponsored by Sen. Janéa Holmquist, R-Moses Lake, would remedy the Washington Supreme Court’s Brinks decision, which made employers liable for employees driving to and from work if they use company vehicles. SB 5463 will be heard in the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 3:30 p.m. AWB supports this legislation because it fulfils our legislative objective to address Brinks by mirroring provisions of the federal Employee Commuting Flexibility Act. For more information, contact Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600.


Street utility tax gets hearing in House Transportation Committee
The House Transportation Committee will hear recently introduced legislation to establish a local option street utility tax on Tuesday, Feb. 17. AWB opposes HB 1947, sponsored by Rep. Geoff Simpson, D-Covington, due to constitutional concerns, increased administrative burdens, unreliable data to establish tax rates and the inability for Washington citizens to absorb tax increases during a recession. E-mail your legislators and ask them to oppose HB 1947.If you are interested in testifying on this bill or if you want more information, contact Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600.


AWB advocates for stormwater legislation
AWB’s stormwater legislation, HB 2222, sponsored by Rep. Brian Blake, D-Aberdeen, has been introduced. HB 2222 will improve the health of Puget Sound and other waters of the state by clarifying methods businesses can implement to comply with stormwater permit requirements; allowing flexible alternatives to comply with permit requirements; giving the Department of Ecology one additional year to develop stormwater permit requirements for state waters needing special attention; and improving technical assistance, education and enforcement activities that will promote permit compliance. AWB will testify in favor of HB 2222 at the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resourcesat 8 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19. Members are encouraged to sign in in support of the legislation. For more information, contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600.


PRIORITY LEGISLATION
Good news, bad news on paid family leave front
AWB is pleased that HB 1609, sponsored by Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, D-Seattle, which would expand the suspended paid family leave program, is not moving this session. Unfortunately the bills that would repeal the unfunded program — HB 1160, sponsored by Rep. Cary Condotta, R-East Wenatchee and SB 5558, sponsored by Sen. Janéa Holmquist, R-Moses Lake — are not moving either. Interestingly, Rep. Kelli Linville, D-Bellingham, suggested at last week’s Lobby Lunch that the entitlement aspect of this program might be postponed through the budget process until there is funding for it in the future. Stay tuned. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600.


ALERT: Tell your legislators to oppose the Worker Privacy Act
Two bills misleadingly known as the Worker Privacy Act — HB1528, sponsored by Rep. Mike Sells, D-Everett, and SB 5446, sponsored by Sen. Margarita Prentice, D-Renton — are alive and moving forward. HB1528 is set to move out of the House Commerce and Labor Committee on Wednesday. Tell your legislators to oppose this violation of employers’ free speech rights. For more information, contact Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600.


AWB opposes bills to remove assessments as graduation requirement
SB 5260 and SB 5414, both sponsored by Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, and SB 5498, sponsored by Sen. Fred Jarrett, D-Mercer Island, would eliminate assessments as part of the state’s high school graduation requirement. AWB feels assessments are essential for maintaining accountability for what students learn, and opposes these bills. SB 5260 is in the Senate Ways and Means Committee while SB 5414 and SB 5498 are in Rules from where they may be sent to the Senate floor. For more information, contact Donna Steward at (360) 943-1600.


AWB-opposed workers’ comp bill on the move
AWB opposes HB 1402, sponsored by Rep. Brendan Williams, D-Olympia, and SB 5627, sponsored by Sen. Joe McDermott, D-Seattle, which would ban the Department of Labor and Industries or an employer or its representative from making contact with a claimant's health care provider, once a claim goes on appeal,without the claimant's attorney involved, are moving in the Legislature. SB 5627 will likely move, but it is not yet scheduled for executive action. Meanwhile, HB 1402 is poised to move out of the House Commerce and Labor Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 1:30 p.m.For more information, contact Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600.


Green power debate continues
Last week the House Technology, Energy and Communications Committee heard round two of HB 1133, sponsored by Rep. John McCoy, D-Tulalip. Negotiations on this bill, which amends Initiative 937’s green power mandates, continue to work against the interests of ratepayers and the business community by providing for increased green power mandates (from 15 percent by 2020 to 20 percent by 2025) without adequate inclusion of additional renewable energy resources, including existing hydropower. HB 1133 is set for committee vote today. AWB continues to oppose this bill and favors the more reasonable approaches offered by SB 5840, sponsored by Sen. Chris Marr, D-Spokane, and SB 5137, sponsored by Sen. Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, which received public hearing. For more information contact Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600.


Bill linking Growth Management Act and climate change bill scheduled for committee vote
The environmental community’s priority legislation, HB 1490, sponsored by Rep. Sharon Nelson, D-Maury Island, is expected to pass out of the House Local Government & Housing Committee today. Its companion, SB 5687, sponsored by Sen. Chris Marr, D-Spokane, is set for public hearing on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 3:30 p.m. in the Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections. Both bills amend Washington’s Growth Management Act to require local governments to establish land use and transportation patterns that support greenhouse gas emission reductions. AWB is opposed to amending the GMA with these requirements due to additional land use litigation and appeals that will stifle an already ailing real estate and construction market. Contact your legislators and ask them to vote “no” on this harmful legislation. For more information contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600.


House energy committee set to vote on green buildings bill
Today, the House Technology, Energy and Communications Committee will vote on environmental community priority HB 1747, sponsored by Rep. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island. HB 1747 mandates that new homes and buildings be 40 percent more energy efficient by 2013 and 70 percent more efficient by 2031. Energy conservation and more efficient buildings are steps in the right direction, but this legislation creates a set of standards that are likely unattainable and ignores work already being done by the State Building Code Council to increase building efficiencies by 30 percent. This bill will add significant costs to both residential and commercial construction and ignores the real problem which is less energy efficient existing construction. AWB favors a more incentivized approach to creating more energy efficient buildings — both old and new. For more information contact Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600.


AWB supports wastewater discharge bill
AWB is supporting HB 1413, sponsored by Rep. John McCoy, D-Tulalip, a measure backed by both business and environmentalists that would change the wastewater discharge fee system. The bill would authorize the Department of Ecology to charge an annual fee for domestic wastewater facility permits up to 18 cents per month per residence that contribute to the wastewater system. HB 1413 is scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources on Thursday, Feb. 19. For more information, contact Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600.


CHOICE Act introduced in House
For the past eight months, a subcommittee of the AWB Health Care Committee worked diligently to develop an omnibus health care proposal to improve affordability of health care coverage for employers.Their effort produced HB 2174, the Employer Comprehensive Health Options, Incentives, and Consumer Empowerment Act, sponsored by Rep. Deb Eddy, D-Kirkland. The development of such a health care proposal is a first for AWB and we appreciated Rep. Eddy’s prime sponsorship of the bill and the eight other members of the Democratic caucus who co-signed the measure.We encourage all members to recognize the significance of Rep. Eddy’s sponsorship and send her a note of thanks. We are hopeful that a hearing will be held on this measure soon.For more information, contact Donna Steward at (360) 943-1600.


AWB supports wellness measure introduced in Senate
SB 6019, sponsored by Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines, provides for discounts on health insurance allowing up to a 20 percent variance for small employers that develop and implement a wellness program or activities that directly improve employee wellness. This measure is very useful both for insuring employees and for encouraging businesses to develop wellness programs. AWB supports this bill and appreciates Sen. Keiser’s sponsorship. For more information, contact Donna Steward at (360) 943-1600.


Health care transparency measure worthy of employer support
Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, the prime sponsor of HB 1869, would require all health care providers to disclose all fees and charges for health care to patients upon request. AWB supports greater transparency in health care and thanks Rep. Bailey for her sponsorship of this measure. For more information, contact Donna Steward at (360) 943-1600.


OTHER NEWS
Gov. Gregoire appoints Dan Newhouse Department of Agriculture director
Gov. Chris Gregoire has appointed Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside, as director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture. “I am honored that Dan has accepted this position,” said Gregoire. “As a farmer and state legislator, Dan brings a wealth of experience to the Department of Agriculture and understands the important role agriculture plays in our state's economy, culture, and our future.” Newhouse had been serving as floor leader for the House Republicans, a position that will now be filled by Ferndale Rep. Doug Ericksen.


Bill McSherry appointed special advisor on aerospace
Late last week, Gov. Gregoire also named Bill McSherry as special advisor to the governor on aerospace issues. McSherry is a loaned executive from the Puget Sound Regional Council. For the next six months, he will focus on working with Boeing and the aerospace community to keep and increase commercial and military aircraft production in Washington.


Business pays more than half of all taxes in Washington
Last week, the Council on State Taxation released its latest analysis of state business tax burdens. Key tables are posted to the WashACE Web site. According to the report, Washington businesses pay 51.3 percent of all state and local taxes, the 12th largest share in the nation. Business taxes here represent 5.5 percent of gross state product, the nation's 13th heaviest burden. Lawmakers talk about business paying "its fair share," wrote WashACE Director Richard Davis. “Fine, let them know: In Washington, we do pay our fair share and then some.”


Seven business-minded students awarded Don Brunell Scholarships
Despite tough economic times, area high school and college students are pursuing their interests in business thanks to scholarship awards from AWB. Last week, seven students were awarded a Don C. Brunell Scholarship for Future Leaders. “The seven students selected for this award reflect the enthusiasm and creativity we need to solve today’s challenges and keep Washington a good place to do business,” said AWB President Don Brunell.


Leahy resigns as head of Seattle chamber
After 30 years at the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO Steve Leahy resigned in order to pursue other avenues in his career. Former CEO George Duff will take over the leadership until a new CEO can be recruited. Leahy, who gave enormous service to his organization and the community, will be missed.


Former legislator Sim Wilson dies at 81
Sim Wilson, publisher of the Marysville Globe and the Arlington Times for more than 30 years and a member of served in the Washington State House of Representatives for 20 years, died Feb. 8. He was 81. Wilson was elected to the House in 1972, serving until 1992. He was House minority leader and chaired the House Transportation Committee and the joint Legislative Transportation Committee. He is survived by his wife, former GOP legislator Karen Schmidt, who served in the House until 1999.


Help for flood victims to avoid scams
The Federal Emergency Agency and the Washington Division of Emergency Management urge consumers to use care and common sense when hiring repair contractors. Contractors must be licensed with the state of Washington. The Office of the Attorney General has additional consumer information online. You can also go online to report fraudulent contractors or download a list of contractor law violators. Additionally, FEMA and WDEM urge disaster victims to beware of fraudsters pretending to be government agents. If approached by someone claiming to represent the government, ask for proper identification, remember that under no circumstance are real representatives of FEMA or other agencies allowed to accept money and always safeguard personal information.


AWB EVENTS & RESOURCES
AWB holding issues briefings this week in eastern Washington
AWB President Don Brunell will begin a series of statewide briefings this week to discuss the current legislative session with members. The tour will begin in Yakima on Wednesday, Feb. 18 with a meeting at the W.L. Hansen Building, 105 S. 18^th St., Yakima. He will then visit with members in Kennewick from noon-1 p.m. at the Bechtel Board Room at the Tri-Cities Business Visitor Center, 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd, Ste. C, Kennewick. View the entire briefing schedule online or contact AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 to RSVP.


Emergency planning and disaster management seminar Feb. 19 — is your business prepared?
Emergencies and disasters often strike when we least expect them. Attend AWB’s one-day seminar and learn how to prepare and apply survival plans to any type of disaster. Register online or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600.


Wage & Hour Law Seminar - March 12
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 at (360) 943-1600.


Forklift: Train the trainer workshop coming March 25
Proper forklift safety training will make your company a safer place to work — and keep you in compliance with the law. Attendees who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion, a CD of workshop materials and a PDF manual they can reproduce to train their own employees on proper forklift safety. To register, click here or contact Jennifer Costello at (360) 943-1600.


FROM THE PRESIDENT
This Week's President's Perspective: Gov. Gregoire and Private Employers Thinking “Outside the Box”