TOP STORIES
Health-care bill passes House, 219-212
Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives passed the president’s landmark health-care bill late Sunday, despite intense opposition from minority Republicans and serious misgivings from a majority of Americans. The bill now goes to President Obama, who is expected to sign it into law tomorrow. Unfortunately, the bill not only fails to address the major problem with the nation’s health-care system — skyrocketing costs — but it also threatens to drive up the price of insurance for businesses and families, jeopardizing the parts of the system that do work. The bill sets up an enormous new federal government bureaucracy, forces individuals to buy health insurance or pay a fine, engineers a government takeover of the student loan industry and adds billions to the nation’s crushing debt at a time when the country can ill afford it. Republicans said they will now work to repeal the measure and Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna announced today that he will join a multi-state lawsuit challenging the law over the requirement that everyone buy health insurance. AWB, which has led a coalition of businesses and chambers advocating for sensible reform, will continue to promote market-based reforms that lower costs, improve wellness and expand consumer choice.


Party-line vote from Washington’s delegation
Thirty-four Democrats joined all of the Republicans in the House of Representatives in voting against the health-care bill, but Washington’s delegation adhered strictly to party lines. Voting for the bill were Reps. Jay Inslee, D-Bainbridge Island; Rick Larsen, D-Lake Stevens; Brian Baird, D-Vancouver; Norm Dicks, D-Belfair; Jim McDermott, D-Seattle; and Adam Smith, D-Tacoma. Opposed were Reps. Doc Hastings, R-Pasco; Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane; and Dave Reichert, R-Auburn. Democratic Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell voted for the measure when it was before the Senate, and Murray was credited by Democratic leadership for helping engineer the vote in Congress. Murray now is working to get the House’s companion bill approved by the Senate and sent to the president.


Week Two of special legislative session: Still no agreement on taxes
The Legislature is still in session despite Gov. Chris Gregoire’s insistence that the House and Senate come to an agreement on taxes and wrap up within seven days. Disagreement over the sales tax continues to be a major sticking point. On Friday, the Senate passed a revised tax plan lowering its proposed temporary sales tax increase from three-tenths of a cent to two-tenths of a cent. Then on Saturday, the House passed a tax plan patterned on a proposal crafted by Gregoire that did not contain a sales tax increase but instead shrinks tax exemptions on specific businesses and raises targeted taxes. Although the details have yet to be ironed out, tax hikes in the neighborhood of $800 million look likely. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter.


Boost in state oil tax will hurt economy
AWB recognizes the importance of improving water quality in Puget Sound, but adding $100 million in new taxes on Washington businesses and citizens at a time when our economy is still trying to recover is not the way to help the environment. That’s why we oppose HB 3181. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane, will not only drive up the cost of fuel, but will also lead to lost jobs and jeopardize future efforts to fund much-needed transportation projects. Learn more at http://www.stopwahiddengastaxes.com/. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


Gag rule needs to stay out of state budget
Did House lawmakers really think no one would notice that they quietly slipped a pared-down version of last year's controversial worker privacy/gag rule bill into the 2010 Senate operating budget? Specifically, the language would prohibit providers of long-term care or services who receive state funding from using the money to "assist, promote, or deter union organization." Last week, The Seattle Times came out strongly against this sneaky maneuver. The inclusion of such language is invalid under a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in U.S. Chamber of Commerce v. Brown, and would likely not survive a court challenge, according to informal guidance from the state Attorney General’s Office. Rep. Bruce Chandler, R-Granger, sought the opinion last week. AWB is working to remove this attempt to restrict employer free speech rights from the budget. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft.


Legislature approves tax breaks for data centers
After Facebook and Amazon.com chose Oregon over Washington as a home for their data centers, the Legislature approved tax breaks to tech companies who build server farms in locations with cheap and plentiful electricity. SB 6789, sponsored by Sen. Margarita Prentice, D-Renton, passed the Senate on Tuesday by a 39-4 vote, and the House, on Wednesday, by a 91-2 vote. AWB strongly supported this legislation and looks forward to its signing by the governor. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter.


Governor signs AWB-supported environmental legislation
Gov. Gregoire has signed two AWB-supported environmental bills sponsored by Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Island. SB 6557 limits the use of copper and other materials in vehicle brake pads that are thought to be harmful to aquatic species, provided alternatives are available and they do not create financial hardships for brake pad and vehicle manufacturers, and they do not compromise safety. SB 6373 will bring Washington state greenhouse gas reporting requirements more in line with those adopted last year by the Environmental Protection Agency and eliminate reporting requirements for vehicle fleets and minor sources of emissions. Additionally, the governor signed SSB 6248, sponsored by Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, a bill to eliminate the chemical bisphenol A from baby bottles, sippy cups, and other children’s dishware, as well as from sports bottles. AWB was neutral on this measure. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


Governor signs AWB priority SEPA streamlining bill
Gov. Gregoire today signed AWB’s priority land use bill for 2010, ESHB 2538, sponsored by Rep. Dave Upthegrove, D-Burien. ESHB 2538 creates incentives for higher building densities within urban growth areas for residential and mixed-use developments, stimulates economic development and will create jobs. The bill now heads to the governor for signature. For more information, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe.


OTHER NEWS
AWB members honored for excellence in business journalism
Despite the downturn in the newspaper industry, Northwest business journalism remains alive and well, and nationally recognized for its excellence. Last week, the Society of American Business Editors and Writers (SABEW) honored two AWB members — Puget Sound Business Journal and Everett’s Daily Herald, with Best in Business Journalism Awards for work published in 2009. If you have a good news story about your company that you’d like to see in Member Spotlight, contact AWB’s Paul Schlienz.


City of Kent offers ways to reuse sand, get rid of sandbags
With Tuesday, March 30, marking the official end of the 2009-10 flood season, people are looking for ways to get rid of their sandbags for the summer. While the sandbags won’t last until the next flood season, there are ways residents can save the sand for fall or use it for gardening and home improvement projects. For Kent residents unable to keep the sand onsite through the summer, the city will collect the sand and sandbags each Saturday in April, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at Home Depot (26120 104^th Ave. SE, Kent) and Grandview Park (3600 S 228^th St, Kent). Assistance is available at 206.755.4814 or kentserviceclubs@yahoo.com.Businesses are not allowed to dump sand at these sites, but they can find additional resources and potential disposal sites at www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans. Non-Kent residents should contact their local emergency management office for sandbag disposal options in their area.


Annual manufacturing and wholesale survey needs your input
The AWB Institute, in partnership with RSM McGladrey, is hosting an annual manufacturing and wholesale distribution survey. The survey focuses on key areas within the industry dealing with condition of business, growth strategies, global economy, supply chain, operational effectiveness, margin improvement, innovation, health care, tax strategies, information technology, risk management and workforce. The survey is open until Friday, April 2. For more information, contact AWB Institute’s Grant Gilmore.


Register now for Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference, April 6-7
Don’t miss this opportunity to join with emergency management planning professionals from the private and public sectors and share lessons in emerging topics in preparedness. The Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference takes place April 6 – 7, at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center. Call 866.986.8083 or 253.238.8000 for lodging registration at the Hotel Murano. For more information, contact Dana (Schlenker) Colwell at 253.445.4575.


Win $10,000 for your small business with Office 2010 video contest
Any business with seven or fewer full-time employees in Washington state is eligible to enter the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce and Microsoft Corporation’s “It’s Time for Business with Office 2010 Video Contest. Participation is easy. Download a FREE trial version of Office 2010 and use it in your business. Then create a short video about your positive experience with Office 2010. Finally, complete the video contest submission form at ItsTimeForBusiness.com before Thursday, April 22. Submissions will be judged on five criteria: originality, creativity, concept, information, and overall presentation. Prizes include $10,000 (Best Video/Grand Prize Winner), $1,000 (Best Foreign Language Video) and $1,000 (Best Video by a Woman-Owned Business). No purchase is necessary but participants must meet all contest rules and eligibility requirements. Click here for more information.


AWB EVENTS & RESOURCES
Employee handbooks and personnel policies: Are you in compliance?
Given the growing legal and practical importance of personnel policies in today's workplace, many employers are turning to the use of employee handbooks to implement and communicate the details of the employer/employee relationship. A carefully prepared and customized handbook can be an employer's biggest weapon against labor and employment litigation, if properly crafted and utilized. This seminar on May 4, 8 a.m. – noon, at the Holiday Inn Seattle-SeaTac Airport (17338 International Blvd., SeaTac) will offer helpful advice on what to include in your employee handbook so that you can maximize communication and minimize your liability. For more information, contact AWB’s Jodi Martinez.


AWB Spring Meeting is May 11 – 12
Join us for our annual spring meeting at the historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane on May 11-12. Keynote speakers include Dr. Elson Floyd, president, Washington State University; David Allen, executive vice president, McKinstry Co. and Dr. Arun Raha, executive director of the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council. The event also features the presentation of AWB’s annual Community Service and Environmental Excellence Awards. As part of the afternoon program on May 11, AWB government affairs staff will lead issue discussions and reflect on the 2010 legislative session. Register online or contact AWB’s Jodi Martinez.


Get recognition for your company’s achievements with AWB’s Community Service Awards
AWB’s Community Service Awards recognize members’ volunteerism and contributions that make our communities better places to live and work. Entries may be submitted for projects that support education, youth organizations, community beautification projects, community organizations that help people in need or programs recognizing volunteerism. There’s also a special general category for projects that mobilize communities into action. Awards will be presented at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane, in conjunction with AWB’s Spring Meeting May 11-12. If you would like us to fax or mail a nomination form to you, contact AWB’s Jodi Martinez.


AWB members save up to 26 percent on UPS shipping!
AWB members can save time and money thanks to a new partnership with UPS! Save up to 26 percent on shipping costs with discounts on UPS Next Day Air^®, UPS Worldwide Express^SM and UPS 2nd Day Air A.M^®. Find out how to take advantage of these savings today by calling 800.325.7000 or click here to enroll in the program to begin receiving discounted rates! Be sure to identify yourself as an AWB member.


Reminder: We need your nominations for AWB Board
AWB is seeking nominations for its board of directors. Please send the name and contact information of your nominee(s) to Dick Walter, AWB vice president of operations, by Friday, April 30.


THEY SAID IT
“As I said on the House floor tonight, there is no question that America needs health-care reform, but this bill will make things worse – not better – for the citizens of our great nation. This bill will increase premiums for working families, raise taxes on small businesses, and cut Medicare for seniors. It will also cost $938 billion at a time when government spending is already out of control and the national debt is at $12 trillion. And it will put tremendous strains on our private health-care system while eroding the freedom and choices of the American individual.” -- U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane