|
|
|
 |
|
Home / Washington Business - September/October 2003 / Looking Ahead to 2004 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Looking Ahead to 2004 |
|
|
|
Written On: September/October |
|
|
|
Tax & Fiscal - Looking Ahead
While this year’s budget crisis has been resolved, it could only be a temporary fix for a long term problem. AWB will be working hand in hand with the Legislature to make sure the budget will be maintained, and that businesses do not receive tax increases next year.
Human Resources - Looking Ahead
Legislation to reform the ergonomics rules failed to pass this year, so AWB took the unprecedented action of endorsing initiative 841 before signature gathering was complete. I-841 repeals the state’s ergonomics rule.
Now that Initiative 841 has received enough signatures to be placed on the election ballot for November 2003, AWB will be urging the public to vote "yes." I-841 allows the State of Washington to aid businesses in creating new jobs, and repeals the current ergonomics rules addressing musculoskeletal disorders.
On May 22, the state Supreme Court heard oral arguments for the invalidation of the state ergonomics rule. Most of the questions focused on the rule making process, the legal test and the level of burden that should be applied to a state agency. The answers to these questions will determine how the justices interpret the question of invalidating the ergonomics rule, but they will not be definitive outcomes for an automatic repeal of the rule. With Initiative 841 on the ballot, the November 2003 election may have some impact on when the court’s decision is issued.
Environment - Looking Ahead
2004 is shaping up to be the most difficult year for water resource policy reforms. The next item on the agenda is to fix the state’s relinquishment policy. The so-called "Use it or lose it" principle is now complicating the ability of individual water right holders to conserve water for a variety of uses, while maintaining an ownership right to the conserved quantity.
Key legislators have indicated they will pursue changes to laws related to stormwater runoff and pollution. AWB is also looking at stormwater regulations and ways to clarify laws related to permit requirements for stormwater discharges.
Legislation will be reintroduced that places new and expensive requirements on electronic waste manufactures and the environmental community will be looking to restore monies in the budget for DOE's PBT program.
Business Climate – Looking Ahead
AWB will work diligently to ensure those bills get passed throughout the next legislative session. Many companies are still citing Washington’s regulatory process as a major obstacle for expanding or locating in the state. If Washington wishes to remain competitive, the Legislature needs to address laws that regulate the health care system. AWB will continue the call for major changes in the health care system.
Nearly all bills in the health care arena save employers money were tabloid on the 2003 session.
Transportation – Looking Ahead
With the transportation package already in full swing, AWB will be keeping a close eye on how the revenues are being spent. The Legislature has appropriated funds to alleviate our traffic problems, but we still need to make sure these funds are spent efficiently.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
