TOP STORIES
AWB endorses Johnson, Madsen and Sanders for Supreme Court
AWB has endorsed Chief Justice Barbara Madsen and incumbent justices Richard Sanders and Jim Johnson in their re-election campaigns for the Washington Supreme Court. The endorsements were announced Friday following a rigorous evaluation process. AWB understands the independence of the judicial branch, and does not expect justices to agree with the business position all of the time, said Kris Tefft, general counsel and director of AWB’s practice before the Supreme Court. “We’re looking for fairness and impartiality. Do we get a fair shot when we get our day in court?” In all three cases, the committee that examined the candidates concluded the answer was yes. Want more detail? AWB’s 2010 Judicial Scorecard, which includes a thorough evaluation of the Supreme Court justices’ votes in cases of importance to the business community, will be published later next month.


$3 billion budget shortfall projected for state in 2011-13
The state's economy is recovering, but not fast enough to prevent a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall in 2011-13, according to a new forecast from Gov. Chris Gregoire’s budget office. The latest projection from the Office of the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council shows the state is on track to receive about $558 million more through the end of the 2009-11 budget than was projected in February, but that includes the nearly $800 million in new revenue brought in from tax increases approved by the Legislature. If $480 million in federal aid does not come through, Washington state will face the daunting task of closing an immediate shortfall of more than $200 million. "It's obvious to me we have to do some very significant restructuring of state government," said Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle. "It may mean getting out of lines of business we're in today."


State’s unemployment rate dips, but improvement is due to temporary census workers
The state’s unemployment rate, seasonally adjusted, dropped 0.2 percentage points in May from April to hit 9.1 percent, the same level as in May 2009, according to new figures released by the Employment Security Department last Tuesday. In contrast, the national jobless rate is 9.7 percent. Unfortunately, much of the job growth was in temporary positions related to the U.S. census. Job growth in other key sectors statewide remained flat or declined. In related news, unemployment dropped in 37 states and the District of Columbia in May, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Friday. But this is largely due to prospective workers giving up on searching for jobs.


Newspaper editorial lauds judge's ruling on Referendum 52
The Olympian weighed in today with an editorial praising Thurston County Superior Court Judge Carol Murphy’s decision to re-write the ballot title for Referendum 52, a ruling that was prompted by AWB’s ballot title challenge. Murphy agreed with AWB that the R-52 ballot title should inform voters that, if approved, the measure will extend the recently imposed tax on bottled water to help finance the debt on $505 million in bonds the state hopes sell to fund energy-saving construction projects in schools. She also agreed to strike references to “job creation” in the ballot title. “Many voters don’t go beyond the ballot title,” the editorial noted, adding “The judge’s title is far superior to the one written by lawmakers.” For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft.


Get involved with workers’ comp and taxes initiatives need your help
Remember: July 2 is the last day to turn in petitions to get initiatives on the November ballot. With the clock running out on this deadline, AWB is encouraging its members to contribute money and help gather signatures for Initiative 1082, which would lift Washington’s ban on private workers’ compensation insurance and Initiative 1053, which would restore the two-thirds vote requirement to raise taxes. For more information, including how you or your company can contribute to I-1053, contact AWB’s Amber Carter. More information about 1-1082, including how to gather signatures to make sure it appears on the November ballot, is available here. Or, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft. For a good perspective on the initiatives from AWB President Don Brunell, see this TVW interview.


AWB 2010 Vote Record, Legislative Review set for July
AWB’s 2010 Vote Record and Legislative Review, including a comprehensive voting record that shows how your state legislators voted on issues important to employers, is set to publish next month. This invaluable publication includes an analysis of key bills from the 2010 legislative session and how it affects employers, plus individual voting record scores for the governor and all members of the House and Senate.


Marching For Main Street gives employers an opportunity to make their voiced heard in D.C.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is leading a virtual march on Washington. A new campaign called Marching For Main Street: A Virtual March On Washington seeks to generate grassroots opposition to Congress’ financial regulatory reform legislation, currently in conference. As the House and Senate hammer out a common bill with the goal of delivering it to President Obama by July 4, individuals from around the country are joining together in this campaign. Through the process of joining the march, letters are sent to congressional offices. Let your voice be heard today without leaving your computer by writing a letter to Congress and standing up for America's job creators.


New AWB Institute website online
The AWB Institute’s new website is up and running. The AWB Institute focuses on economic prosperity, creates, supplements and supports workforce development issues for the purpose of retaining a viable workforce that meets the needs of Washington businesses. Be sure and check out this important resource for Washington’s employers. Questions? Comments? Contact Grant Gilmore, executive director, AWB Institute.


New issue of Washington Business magazine is out
The latest issue of Washington Business has been mailed and should be in your hands by now. Learn how Spokane prospered from hosting the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championship; preview what Northwest companies are doing to prepare for the temporary closure of the Columbia-Snake River navigation system; and explore some of the ways Washington companies are using social media to connect with their customers. Interested in advertising? Got a story idea? Contact J-Anne Nepomuceno/AWB for questions about your copy if you haven’t yet received it.


Department of Ecology revises SEPA guidelines on greenhouse gas emissions, needs public comment
The Department of Ecology recently released its Draft SEPA Guidance on Addressing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Ecology will take written public comment on this draft guidance until Friday. Comments should be sent to sepaguidance@ecy.wa.gov. In addition, please also send any comments to AWB’s Chris McCabe. AWB will discuss the issue at its Thursday Land Use Committee meeting. For more information, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe.


Department of Revenue needs your input
The Department of Revenue is beginning the yearly process of getting stakeholder comments on potential agency request legislation for 2011. The department needs to receive these comments by Thursday, July 1. Send your comments to AWB’s Amber Carter.


KEY HEARINGS, MEETINGS
Workers’ Comp Advisory Committee meeting on Wednesday
The AWB Workers’ Compensation Advisory Committee will meet this Wednesday at AWB. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft.


Focus on Race to the Top at Education and Training Committee meeting, Wednesday
AWB’s Education and Training Committee will meet at AWB on Wednesday, 9 – 11 a.m. Josh Bendor, with the U.S. Department of Education, and Alan Burke of the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction will discuss Race to the Top and Washington state’s application for this federal grant opportunity. For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward.


Ecology updating solid waste laws – learn more Wednesday at AWB meeting!
The Department of Ecology is updating RCW 70.95 and other laws governing hazardous and solid waste. This effort, designed to move the agency’s Beyond Waste Plan towards a goal of “zero waste”, was the subject of seven recent state-wide workshops to identify issues and problems with the current statutory structure. RCW 70.95 was adopted in 1969 with the primary focus of disposal of solid waste. Over the years, the legislature has added to that scope, as well as passing several other laws related to solid waste and products. Ecology wants to hear from AWB. Members are encouraged to learn more on Wednesday, 1-3 p.m., at AWB agency program staff will present the agency’s plans at AWB and answer questions regarding this important topic. For more, contact Grant Nelson.


Land Use Committee meeting, Thursday
AWB’s Land Use Committee will meet Thursday, 10 a.m. – noon, at Perkins Coie in Seattle. The committee will begin discussions of AWB’s 2011-12 land use legislative agenda. We will also discuss Ecology’s draft SEPA guidance on greenhouse gas emissions, and an update on the FEMA draft model floodplain ordinance. For more information, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe.


Environmental issues on center stage at AWB’s GAC retreat
Climate change and Puget Sound water quality remain top environmental priorities for federal, state and local policy makers and the business community. This year’s AWB Governmental Affairs Council retreat, scheduled for July 12-14 at the Alderbrook Resort on beautiful Hood Canal, will feature two panels on these important topics. Call Alderbrook at 360.898.2200 and mention you are reserving a room for the retreat. The deadline for reserving rooms is noon, this Friday. After that, the rooms will be released and reservations will be considered on a space and rate availability basis. Cost for the GAC retreat is $220, including all meals and meeting costs. For more information, contact AWB’s Connie Grande.


OTHER NEWS

Russell Investments receives top marks for its transition management services
In this week’s Member Spotlight: Russell Investments,an AWB member since 1984, received top marks for its transition management services in the 2010 annual surveys conducted by PLANSPONSOR and Global Investor magazines. Share your company’s good news with AWB’s Paul Schlienz.


AWB EVENTS & RESOURCES
Learn new business security standards for accepting credit/debit cards
Does your business accept credit or debit cards? If so, are you in compliance with the new security standards? Credit card companies and acquirer banks can levy stiff fines and remove your ability to process credit card transactions if you are not in compliance. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI/DSS) applies to every organization that processes credit or debit card information, including merchants and third-party service providers that store, process or transmit credit card/debit card data. Join us for the Truths About PCI Compliance Webinar on Tuesday, June 22, 10 – 11 a.m. This seminar is free for AWB members. For more information click here or to register, contact AWB’s Jodi Martinez.


The Economist’s Matthew Bishop at Policy Summit at Semiahmoo – Sept. 21-23
Mark your calendars for AWB’s 21st Annual Policy Summit. Matthew Bishop, American business editor of The Economist magazine, will provide his insights on where the economy may be heading. Additionally, Gary Langer, director of polling for ABC News will provide insights on America’s political pulse as the November election approaches. Join us this fall at scenic Semiahmoo Resort. To register, click here or contact Jodi Martinez at 800.521.9325.


2010 Manufacturing Excellence Awards accepting nominations
AWB’s awards recognize manufacturing firms for their contributions to growing our economy and improving quality of life. Awards will be given to a small, medium and large manufacturer in the following categories: Green Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, Innovation and Manufacturer of the Year. Download the nomination form here. Awards will be presented at a special luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 22, in conjunction with AWB’s annual Policy Summit at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine. For more information, contact AWB’s Jodi Martinez.


AWB offers preferred provider solutions
Business is more complex and complicated than ever before. You need every advantage available to meet and exceed your goals, surpass your competitors, gather and keep your customers. AWB has the tools to save your business money and the solutions to help you run it more efficiently. Members have access to many great products and services offered by AWB. We offer exclusive discounts and additional services so that you can save on day-to-day operations. For a list of full member benefits please click here. For additional questions contact Jennifer Davis at 800.521.9325


THEY SAID IT
"We've taken every account and wiped it clean and there's no place to go. It's about spending reductions now." -Sen. Joe Zarelli, R-Ridgefield


This Week's President's Perspective: Voters Can Reset the Government This Fall