“HR Day on the Hill” provides overview of session for human resource professionals as lawmakers grapple with several HR-related issues

OLYMPIA— Health insurance, workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance. Some of the biggest issues of the 2010 Legislative session have direct bearing on the work of human resource professionals in our state.

That’s why the Association of Washington Business is especially pleased this year to welcome dozens of human resource experts to Olympia on Wednesday, Feb. 10 for the annual “HR Day on the Hill.”

The event, co-sponsored by AWB and the Washington State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, offers HR professionals from all over the state insight into the workings of the state Legislature.

It also provides attendees with timely updates on many of the issues that will figure prominently in the coming weeks as legislators attempt to close a $2.6 billion state budget shortfall.

The daylong agenda includes an overview of the 2010 Legislative Session to date from AWB government affairs staff. Top HR issues this year include the call to reform Washington’s troubled workers’ compensation system, the push by labor to expand unemployment insurance benefits and the effort to expand the availability of affordable health insurance.

“Tracking legislation in Olympia is always a challenge, especially in a fast-moving 60-day session,” said Kris Tefft, AWB general counsel and government affairs director for human resource issues. “This year, it’s more important than ever for HR professionals to understand what’s going on because so many of the issues will affect businesses as they struggle to emerge from the recession. From rising workers’ comp rates and the potential expansion of unemployment benefits to debates over mandatory sick leave and the state response to national health care reform efforts, HR issues have emerged as among the most important of the session.”

Guest speakers include Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, chairwoman of the Senate Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee; Rep. Steve Conway, chairman of the House Commerce & Labor Committee; Sen. Janea Holmquist, ranking minority member, Senate Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee (invited); and Rep. Cary Condotta, ranking minority member, House Commerce & Labor Committee.

In addition, Peter Bogdanoff, executive policy advisor, Governor’s Executive Policy Office, will discuss “Governor Gregoire’s Jobs Program”; and Joel Sacks, deputy director, Washington State Employment Security Department, will address “UI Benefits, Costs, and the Current Labor Market.”

“It’s such a great event for us, both from an educational standpoint and a grassroots standpoint,” said Terri Ano, legislative director, SHRM Washington State Council. “Learning about the issues and learning about the legislative process is really valuable for us, and it helps us become more involved. It’s helpful for legislators, as well, to hear from our members. It helps them understand the impact of what they’re doing.”

About the Association of Washington Business
Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association, and includes more than 6,800 members representing 650,000 employees. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association. While its membership includes major employers like Boeing, Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser, 90 percent of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10. For more about AWB, visit www.awb.org.