OLYMPIA – A coalition of a dozen leaders of Washington’s key business associations sent a letter to Gov. Gary Locke and legislative leaders today pledging their help in making Washington a more business-friendly state during the next biennium.

Washington heads into 2003 under the shadow of a $2.3 billion budget shortfall and increased workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance rates. The combination of all three will have a devastating impact on our state’s job providers.

“We believe an appropriate goal is to achieve a fiscally responsible 2003-2005 budget, balanced within existing revenues, that nurtures economic growth,” says the three-page letter.

The letter lays out proposed objectives conceived by association leaders. It is signed by the presidents of the following organizations:

Associated General Contractors of Washington
Association of Washington Business
Building Industry Association of Washington
Independent Business Association
National Federation of Independent Business
Washington Association of Realtors
Washington Forest Protection
Washington Food Industry Association
Washington Restaurant Association
Washington Retail Association
Washington Roundtable
Washington State Farm Bureau

Individual comments regarding this issue are included in the attached addendum. [Click Here]

For more information on the letter, contact AWB’s Gary Chandler at (360) 943-1600.