TOP STORIES
No special legislative session or across-the-board budget cuts this month
Washington state dodged a bullet Thursday when the U.S. Senate approved a measure restoring crucial $540 million in crucial federal funds. Thanks to this infusion, the state will not face immediate across-the-board budget cuts or a special legislative session. Gov. Chris Gregoire stated she still might call the Legislature back into session to make less severe cuts if next month’s economic forecast turns out to be worse than expected. AWB hopes the governor and Legislature will realize that even though this immediate crisis has passed, the state’s budget is not sustainable in the coming 2011-13 biennium. Intelligent, targeted cuts to government and policies that maintain and create jobs, lessen the burden on families and attract new employers to the state — not new taxes — are what’s ultimately needed.


AWB launches We Mean Business campaign
AWB is helping to ensure that Washington’s employers have a voice through a new ad campaign, We Mean Business. In a series of direct mail postcards and advertisements in local business journals, employers from around the state urge legislators to prioritize spending and stop increasing costs to employers. “We can’t control the ups and downs of the economy,” the ads read. “But we can promote a more business-friendly climate in Washington state.” Watch your mailbox or newspaper for one of the ads, and consider showing lawmakers that you mean business by making your own contribution.


State ballot measures: Get online, get involved!
In addition to numerous state, local and national races, Washington’s ballot includes six initiatives that stand to have substantial impacts on the state’s business climate. That’s why it’s essential for employers to help get out the vote on each of these campaigns. AWB has endorsed the following three measures. If you or your company has a Facebook or Twitter account, help boost efforts to build statewide support for them this fall:

· Yes on Initiative 1053 (restoring a two-thirds requirement for taxes): Facebook and Twitter (@yeson1053)
· Yes on Initiative 1082 (ending the workers’ comp monopoly): Facebook, Twitter (@saveourjobswa), YouTube
· Defeat Initiative 1098 (defeating a state income tax): Facebook and Twitter (@defeat1098)

You can also contribute financially these campaigns. Click here to give to Yes on 1053, here for Yes on 1082, and here to help Defeat 1098. We need voters everywhere to understand the impact each of these measures can have on the state’s business climate. Take a moment to share this information today with your chamber members, employees and friends, and help protect Washington’s competitiveness on Nov. 2.


AWB’s 2010 Judicial Review now available
Before you vote, check your mail for AWB’s 2010 Judicial Review and Scorecard. The Scorecard presents AWB's perspective on how fairly the court treats business in the cases it hears and is an important guide to Washington State Supreme Court rulings that affected the business community. AWB has endorsed Justice Jim Johnson, who earned a remarkable 85 percent rating in the Scorecard, as well as incumbent Chief Justice Barbara Madsen and Justice Richard Sanders. Johnson faces a particularly tough challenge from trial lawyers and unions determined to defeat him in the Tuesday, Aug. 17 primary. It is essential that the business community strongly support Johnson and the other AWB-endorsed judicial candidates in this crucial election.


Ecology proceeds with SEPA guidance to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, despite AWB opposition
The Department Ecology issued a letter today indicating it plans to move forward with its draft SEPA guidance to address greenhouse gas emissions. AWB expressed significant concerns that Ecology’s approach will create endless litigation opportunities for project opponents and will stifle economic development and commercial and residential construction job creation at a time when we can least afford it. Moving forward with this guidance, Ecology has asked stakeholders to answer a series of questions as it refines this process. Reply comments to Ecology’s letter, as well as to the questions raised by the agency, are due by Tuesday Sept. 7 and should be sent to sepaguidance@ecy.wa.gov. Ecology also expects to have a stakeholder meeting as it proceeds. AWB will continue to monitor and work on this issue. Please contact AWB’s Chris McCabe with questions or comments.


Pollution Control Hearings Board decision threatens Washington’s business community
Last week, the state Pollution Control Hearing Board issued an order that prohibits Ecology from issuing an Industrial Stormwater General Permit to any new business that may want to locate in Washington. The order also prevents existing businesses currently operating under the permit from expanding their operations. The order, which goes into effect Sept. 15, maintains that the department is in violation of state anti-degradation rules, which requires Ecology to complete a water quality analysis for new or expanded operations or have in place an alternative process. The order has the potential to grind economic development in the state to a halt, as all Clean Water Act related permits, including those issued for industrial, construction, boatyard and sand and gravel operations may also be denied. AWB has urged the governor’s office, Ecology and state legislators to immediately remedy the issues identified by the PCHB through the TAPE program and Washington Stormwater Center that AWB helped create in 2009 through the passage of HB 2222. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


Missouri voters reject individual mandate in health-care law
Three-quarters of Missouri voters said no to a crucial component of the new federal health-care law last Tuesday. Missouri voters approved a ballot measure prohibiting the state from enforcing the law’s mandate that individuals must purchase health insurance or face penalties starting in 2014. Missouri, often a bellwether in political trends, is the first state to so resoundingly express its dismay over the new law.


Everything you need to know about health-care reform’s impact on business in one location
There are still many unanswered questions about the impact of the new health care law on employers, their workers, and their families. To help address some of these concerns, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce launched a new website, HealthReformImpacts.com, to serve as a centralized location for the business community to learn about the implementation of the new law and to share their perspectives on how it impacts their businesses. On this site, business owners can access studies, timelines, media reports, and information provided by other business owners. In addition, it provides an opportunity for business owners to share their stories and perspectives on the new law.


Employment Security Director Lee leaving her position in September
Karen Lee, director of the state’s Employment Security Department, is leaving her post at the end of September to take a job as CEO of Pioneer Human Services, a social services agency in Seattle. Lee served in this position since 2006. A search is underway to fill Lee’s position.


KEY HEARINGS, MEETINGS
Next Workers’ Comp Coalition meeting, tomorrow
The Workers’ Comp Coalition will meet tomorrow, 10 a.m. – noon, at the new Associated General Contractors offices at 3601 20^th St. E., in Fife. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft.


L&I will discuss changes to retro, tomorrow
Changes to the state’s retrospective ratings system top the agenda when state Department of Labor & Industries officials meet with the retro community tomorrow, noon – 2 p.m., immediately following the Workers’ Comp Coalition meeting at the Associated General Contractors at 3601 20^th St. E., in Fife. L&I intends to repeal the existing chapter of the Washington Administrative Code governing the retro program and replace it with a new set of rules. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft.


Discussion of legislative objectives continues at joint Energy/Climate Change Committee meeting, Aug. 17
A joint meeting of AWB’s Energy Committee and Climate Change subcommittee will be held Tuesday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m. – noon, at AWB. A conference call option will be available. The committees will continue discussing AWB’s energy legislative objectives for 2011-12, adopt final edits and changes on recommendations to AWB’s board meeting in September, and review AWB’s climate change legislative objectives for 2011-12. For more information, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe or Grant Nelson.


Health-care reform at Human Resources Council meeting, Aug. 26
At the Human Resources Council’s next meeting, the featured speaker will be Seattle employment benefits attorney and health care expert Howard Bye, whose presentation, “Everything You Need to Know about Health Care Reform, But Are Afraid to Ask,” will be moderated in a Q&A format. Additionally, there will be an update and briefing on the political and legislative landscape, as well as review, discussion, and recommendations on AWB’s 2011 legislative objectives in the human resources field. The meeting is on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2 – 4:30 p.m., at Stoel Rives LLP in Seattle. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft.



Meet your legislators at AWB’s Regional Membership and Board Meetings
Coming soon to a city near you: AWB’s Regional Membership and Board Meetings. These gatherings allow you to meet with legislators and get involved in AWB’s candidate endorsement process, culminating at AWB’s Policy Summit in September. This fall’s meetings are scheduled for:

•Aug. 31 — Tacoma
•Sept. 1 — Vancouver
•Sept. 2 — Bellevue
•Sept. 8 — Spokane
•Sept. 9 — Tri-Cities
•Sept. 9 — Yakima
•Sept. 10 — Moses Lake
•Sept. 14 — Mount Vernon
•Sept. 15 — Mountlake Terrace

More detailed information, including times, specific locations and agendas, is available on AWB’s events calendar.


Great golf, great speakers at Policy Summit at Semiahmoo, Sept. 21-23 – Register now
Don’t miss a great opportunity to play one of the finest golf courses in the Northwest. Register and reserve your room now for AWB’s 21st Annual Policy Summit at beautiful Semiahmoo Resort. With a great golf tournament, including special prizes, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Additionally, the Policy Summit will help get you up to speed on public policy, politics and the economy with elected officials, candidates, and other great speakers. To register, click here or contact AWB’s Jen Costello at 800.521.9325.


OTHER NEWS
AWB hosting immigration conference for employers in Seattle Thursday
Employers who rely on immigrant workers and are concerned about the need for reform may want to attend Immigration: Why Reform Can't Wait, a one-day conference and strategic planning session co-sponsored by AWB. The summit will bring together engaged employers from across the U.S. to share ideas about how best to advance immigration reform in 2011. Featured speakers include U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., veteran political commentator Morton Kondracke and entrepreneur and scholar Vivek Wadwha. The conference takes place at the Seattle Sheraton this Thursday. Conference registration is $35; the VIP Dinner and summit is $300.


Stormwater treatment seminar will help your business understand permits
If your company operates one of the approximately 1,200 facilities permitted under the state’s Industrial Stormwater General Permit, you don’t want to miss an important seminar later this month in Federal Way. AWB is helping to sponsor the Stormwater Treatment Technologies Seminar, hosted by Kennedy/Jenks Consultants. Learn about the latest techniques for treating stormwater, gain a better understanding of the permit and avoid violations and third-party lawsuits. The Stormwater Treatment Technologies Seminar takes place Tuesday, Aug. 24, 9 – 10:30 a.m. at the Weyerhauser Aquatic Center Banquet Hall, 650 SW Campus Drive, Federal Way. The seminar is free and includes coffee, juice and pastries. Please RSVP by Aug. 16 to Sandy Cosgrove, 253.835.6410.


Nominations under way: State seeks to honor workforce and economic development leaders
The Workforce Board and Department of Commerce are accepting nominations for the 2010 Governor's Best Practices Awards in Economic and Workforce Development. The annual Governor's Award for Best Practices in Workforce and Economic Development brings statewide recognition to projects and programs that have achieved positive results — particularly achievements that create family-wage jobs, encourage innovation, and promote an environmentally healthy economy — to both the field of workforce and economic development. Deadline is Sept. 10. Application material is available here.


Saint Martin’s University forming new College of Education and Professional Psychology
In this week’s Member Spotlight: Hot on the heels of converting from a college to a university in 2005, and welcoming a new president in 2009, Saint Martin’s University, an AWB member since 2006, is forming a new College of Education and Professional Psychology. Share your company’s good news with AWB’s Paul Schlienz.


AWB EVENTS & RESOURCES
Health-Care Reform and Your Business – What does it mean?
President Obama signed landmark legislation on health-care reform into law, and the impact on employers is substantial and complicated. For the first time, many employers will be subjected to penalties if they do not offer coverage to employees or if the coverage fails an affordability test. Some requirements go into effect now, and others are phased in over the course of several years. Down the road, employers also could be affected by a new tax on costly health insurance plans if health-care plan costs continue to rise. Several items within this law affect all employers – new reporting requirements, new IRS responsibilities, required changes to health plan coverage's and more. To help employers learn what their obligations under the massive new law will be, we have developed a webinar series to address key provisions on health-care reform and explain how it will affect your company. To view webinar topics and dates click here. To register, contact AWB’s Jen Costello at 800.521.9325.


Small Employer 101 on the Impact of Federal Health Care Reform
Are you a small employer confused about your responsibilities under the new federal health care reform requirements? If so, AWB is offering a webinar, August 18, focusing specifically on small employer interests. To register, contact AWB’s Jen Costello at 800.521.9325.


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To learn about more upcoming AWB events, view our online events calendar.


THEY SAID IT
“It would have been prudent if state lawmakers had instead met this summer to start slicing away at future expenditures. State Sen. Joe Zarelli, budget leader for the Senate Republican Caucus, predicted that if lawmakers had agreed this month on $500 million in ongoing savings, the deficit facing the state for the next biennium would be far less — $1.8 billion, not $3 billion. Now that would be a step in the right direction.” — Yakima Herald-Republic


This Week's President's Perspective: Dissing the DIS Building