TOP STORIES
Gregoire says federal money in doubt, calls on business to help with streamlining
With as much as $1 billion in federal funding for Washington now in doubt because of last week’s Massachusetts senate election outcome, Gov. Chris Gregoire, speaking to AWB’s Lobby Lunch on Thursday, advocated for streamlining state government as one way of addressing a $2.6 billion budget shortfall. She called on the business community to help persuade lawmakers who she fears are "losing their stomach" for aggressive change. "There isn't a business today that can't survive without rebooting," Gregoire said. "It should be no different for government." Watch video of the governor’s remarks on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch.


Workers’ comp reform can’t wait – demand a hearing for HB 2950
The business community has worked hard to craft a bi-partisan solution for Washington’s troubled workers’ compensation system, but it’s not clear whether the bill will even get a hearing. We need your help to make sure it doesn’t become a victim of the labor unions, whose leaders have announced opposition to any reform of the system. Contact your representative today to ask House leadership to give House Bill 2950 a hearing. Without change, the state’s industrial insurance system is facing years of continued rate hikes for the businesses that pay into it, as well as possible insolvency. Workers’ comp reform can’t wait. Read more on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch or contact AWB’s Kris Tefft for more information.


Massachusetts election puts federal health-care reform effort in doubt
Last Tuesday, the voters of Massachusetts dealt a potentially fatal blow to the Democrats’ health-care reform efforts by electing Republican Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Ted Kennedy. Brown’s election deprives Senate Democrats of their 60 vote filibuster-proof majority. In the wake of this setback, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., admitted that the Senate health-care bill cannot pass the House. AWB hopes Congress will view this as an opportunity to begin developing real health care reform that takes advantage of the market and emphasizes solutions like Health Savings Accounts, health insurance portability and tort reform. In the meantime, although Congress’ health-care legislation is clearly in trouble, it is not dead. AWB urges its members to contact Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and their House members to oppose this legislation and work toward more rational — and affordable — legislation. You can also sign a petition demanding openness and transparency in the negotiations over this important bill.


Rep. Lynn Kessler will speak Thursday at AWB’s Lobby Lunch
Rep. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, will speak at AWB’s next Lobby Lunch this Thursday at noon at AWB. If you have not already RSVP’d and you are interested in attending, please do so by 5 p.m. tomorrow for catering specifications. Lunch is $14 per person. Please allow plenty of time to find parking when visiting either AWB or the Capitol. For more information or to register, contact AWB’s Connie Grande.


Business community steps up to Haiti relief efforts
USA Today notes more than 100 companies have pledged more than $69 million to Haiti relief efforts. This includes cash, in-kind contributions, employee-matching campaigns and customer-engagement. Read more on this important effort from the Seattle Times and on AWB’s blog, Olympia Business Watch.


Contact your legislators with WashingtonBusinessVotes.com
AWB’s WashingtonBusinessVotes.com is a great new resource that helps you get the information you need to stay informed and provides the tools to make your opinion heard by lawmakers. This site allows employers to find out what legislation is affecting them on a state and national basis and facilitates communication between AWB members and elected officials.


Weekly Twitter chat on legislative issues each Thursday
AWB is using the popular social media Web site Twitter to lead a weekly Web chat about the 2010 legislative session. For those familiar with Twitter, you can follow the chat and participate in it by following AWB, and by setting up a search for the hashtag #walegchat. Join us each Thursday at 4 p.m. Also, you can follow the action in the Legislature any time by tracking the hashtag #waleg. If you need more information about Twitter or how to join the action, contact AWB’s Jason Hagey.


Register now for Friday’s WashACE phone briefing
This Friday, WashACE, the Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy, will continue its weekly half-hour phone briefings on legislative issues. Our agenda for this Friday will include an update on workers’ compensation, energy legislation and a variety of tax and fee proposals. The call begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends promptly at 8 a.m. Click here to register. For questions about WashACE or these calls, contact Richard Davis.


Track job-creation legislation with JobMakers.com
If Washington is going to emerge from the recession and rebuild a solid economy, it needs new jobs. AWB’s JobMakers.com helps you track news and information about bills that will help create new jobs, provide investment opportunities, and encourage economic growth. Use it find out more about a particular bill and which lawmakers are supporting business-related legislation. The site will be updated regularly throughout the 2010 legislative session, so check back often or subscribe to an RSS feed to get regular updates.


Attorney General McKenna to speak at AWB’s Legislative Day on Feb. 3 – register now
AWB is pleased to welcome Attorney General Rob McKenna as the luncheon speaker Wednesday, Feb. 3 at AWB’s Legislative Day at Olympia’s Red Lion Hotel. Gov. Chris Gregoire was scheduled to serve as the guest speaker, but will be meeting with President Obama that day in Washington, D.C. and is unavailable. AWB’s Legislative Day is your chance to meet face-to-face with legislators and participate in panel discussions on policy issues facing employers. This event is one of your best opportunities to network with other AWB members, elected officials and agency directors. It’s also a great chance to enhance your company’s visibility through a sponsorship. Become a sponsor, register online or contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello for additional information.


Four students receive Don C. Brunell Scholarship
Four business-minded students have been awarded the Don C. Brunell Scholarship for Future Leaders. The four students are Samantha Gwazdauskasof Lake Forest Park(currently attending Shorecrest High School, plans to attend either the University of Arizona or the University of Washington);. Andrew Millikan of Portland, Ore. (Portland State University); Josh Millikan of Portland, Ore. (Multnomah University); and Holly Steward of Olympia (currently attending Northwest Community Christian High School, plans to attend Washington State University).


KEY HEARINGS, MEETINGS
AWB testifies against bills that would create workplace headaches
Last week, AWB testified in the House Commerce & Labor Committee on three bills that employers should closely monitor. HB 2444, sponsored by Rep. Brendan Williams, D-Olympia, expands the state Family Leave Act to apply to all employers and all employees for the purposes of leave from work for a child’s educational events. HB 2764, sponsored by Rep. Steve Conway, D-Tacoma, is a reaction to the swine flu scare. It would prohibit employers from disciplining an employee who stays home or goes to the doctor with influenza-like symptoms. HB 2646, sponsored by Rep. John McCoy, D-Tulalip, expands employer liability under the Department of Labor & Industries’ wage payment enforcement statute. Additionally, AWB testified in the Senate Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee against SB 5046, sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, which is an opening to public sector enforcement of federal-style labor relations obligations against the state’s smallest employers. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft.


Revenue Director Holmstrom at Tax and Fiscal Council meeting, Wednesday
The AWB Tax and Fiscal Policy Council will meet Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.– noon at AWB.We need input from members as we review key legislative proposals with the Department of Revenue. DOR Director Cindi Holmstrom will join us to discuss the department’s legislative agenda and the governor’s job package.The agenda includes a discussion of the economic nexus proposal, which would tax some out-of-state companies doing business in Washington, as well as three tax bills that will be heard Thursday in the House Finance Committee – HB 2970, HB 2971 and HB 2972. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter.


Thank you to Superintendent of Public Instruction Dorn
On Friday, AWB’s Education Committee met with Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn on a variety of education issues, including Race to the Top. Our time with the superintendent was most productive and helpful. We greatly appreciate the fact that he took time, despite his busy schedule, to meet with us. For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward.


PRIORITY LEGISLATION
AWB supports intent of copper brake pad legislation
Last week AWB testified on SB 6557, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Island. This agency request bill phases out the use of copper and other materials in brake pads, thought to be harmful to the environment. While AWB does not support the bill in its present form, we are working with member companies to address concerns regarding phase-out dates, self-certification methodology, and ensuring that safe, cost-effective alternatives are readily available. It is anticipated that if these and other changes are made to the bill, AWB will support the final legislation if passed. The companion in the House, HB 3018, sponsored by Rep. Maralyn Chase, D-Shoreline, has been referred to the Environmental Health Committee. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


AWB seeks to reduce burdens of crane safety law on small business
Legislation was introduced last week to clarify that cranes solely used to deliver materials to job sites are exempt from construction crane certification requirements. HB 3073, sponsored by Rep. Mike Armstrong, R-Wenatchee, will save small businesses money without compromising safety. For more information, contact AWB’s Grant Nelson.


AWB-supported measure to streamline land use permitting moves out of committee
HB 2538, sponsored by Rep. Dave Upthegrove, D-Burien, has passed out of the House Ecology & Parks Committee last week. The bill establishes incentives for higher densities within urban growth areas for residential and mixed-use developments; stimulates economic development and creates new jobs. Please urge your legislators to support this bill. For more information, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe.


Drivers would lose choice at the pump under misguided biodiesel bill
While AWB stronglysupports the development, production anduse of biodiesel, we oppose HB 2504, sponsored by Rep. Deb Eddy, D-Kirkland. Under Washington’s existing Renewable Fuels Standard, this bill would take away the choice consumers currently have when they go to the pump to fill up with regular diesel or blended biodiesel. This bill would remove that choice and risk higher diesel costsby mandating that all diesel fuel sold at the pump would have to include a minimum “B2” biodiesel blend. The bill also removes the existing exemption for “dyed diesel,” which is often used by agriculture equipment. For more information, contact AWB’s Chris McCabe.


Trial lawyer-supported wrongful death bill introduced in Senate
AWB is gearing up to fight SB 6508, introduced last week by Sen. Darlene Fairley, D-Shoreline. This measure would extend wrongful death liability statutes. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft.


Bill would raid state trust fund to pay for community college students
AWB opposes SB 6600, sponsored by Sen. James Hargove, D-Hoquiam. This misguided bill would divert money from the unemployment insurance trust fund to pay for enrollment slots for community college workforce training courses. While AWB supports access to higher education and workforce training, taking money to support this otherwise worthy goal from the trust fund is a bad idea at a time when the state is recovering from a recession and facing a budget shortfall. For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward.


AWB supports bill that would bring real education innovation to Washington
HB 6596, sponsored by Sen. Jim Kastama, D-Puyallup would authorize charter schools and strengthen Washington’s chances of receiving billions in federal Race to the Top funding. Currently, because Washington stubbornly refused to adopt innovations opposed by teachers’ unions, such as charter schools, it is unable to take advantage of this federal funding. For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward.


OTHER NEWS
Tsillan Cellars gets green light on plan for Tuscan Village in Chelan
The Chelan County Hearing Examiner approved plans forTuscan Village, a new development adjacent to Tsillan Cellars Winery & Vineyards, an AWB member since 2005. Tuscan Village promises to deliver a slice of Italy to the recently designated Lake Chelan American Viticultural Area (AVA) that hosts hundreds of visitors a day during busy summer months. The 274-acre village, which draws inspiration from Tsillan Cellars Winery’s unique Tuscan architecture, will offer 950 residential units as well as a retail center and world-class spa. Read more on AWB’s Member Spotlight. If your company has a good news story to share, contact Paul Schlienz.


GoGreen conference aimed at helping businesses become more sustainable
GoGreen ’10, a one-day sustainability conference next spring in Seattle, will feature more than 45 speakers and 12 different sessions aimed at helping business owners “go green.” Attendees will hear first-hand success stories and join in panel discussions offering turnkey solutions useful to any size business. AWB is a media partner for the conference and AWB members who attend will receive a discount; use the discount code “AWB” when registering. The conference is Wednesday, April 21, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., at the Olive 8 at The Hyatt, 1635 8^th Ave., Seattle. To register online, visit GoGreen Seattle.


AWB EVENTS & RESOURCES
Get in compliance for 2010!
Significant changes have been made to the required state and federal employment posters in 2009. Order your updated poster set today to ensure your company is in complete compliance with Washington state and federal labor law posting requirements. Contact AWB’s Jennifer Costello to order an updated poster set.


Best Practices Seminar for the Human Resources File Cabinet coming Feb. 11
Learn how to avoid fines, penalties and litigation by adopting “best practices” and maintaining proper employment records on Thursday, Feb. 11 at Baldwin Resource Group in Bellevue. Click here to register or contact Jennifer Costello at 360.943.1600.


THEY SAID IT
“If you lose Massachusetts and that's not a wake-up call, there's no hope of waking up." – Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind.


This Week's President's Perspective: Big ideas need time to simmer