TOP STORIES
Special legislative session starts today
The Washington Legislature re-convened today for a special session after adjourning Thursday without reaching an agreement on how to balance the state budget. Gov. Chris Gregoire called the session late Thursday evening, saying her priorities include reaching agreement on a budget and tax plan and a jobs package that could include a voter referendum on school-renovations this fall. A proposed hazardous substances tax for stormwater projects —something AWB strongly opposes – is also still alive. Gregoire said she thought lawmakers could conclude their work in seven days, but the state constitution allows for up to 30 days. Stay tuned. Almost any bill could come back for reconsideration.


House and Senate agree to raise taxes, disagree on what should be taxed
The main challenge facing lawmakers in the special session will be for the majority Democrats in the House and Senate to reach agreement on the particulars of a tax plan. Democrats in both chambers have unfortunately given up on major reform to cut government waste, threatening to damage the state’s fragile economic recovery and incurring the wrath of newspaper editorial boards. Instead, they are pursuing an approach that relies on tax increases and modest cut backs in an attempt to plug a $2.8 billion shortfall. One major sticking point: whether to boost the sales tax. The Senate's $890 million tax package includes a sales tax increase, while the House package — which would generate $681 million — does not. Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Medina, cited frustration with his colleagues’ failure to consider serious reforms as one of the reasons he took the unusual step of voting against a budget he helped craft. For more information, contact AWB’s Amber Carter.


House sneaks union gag rule into Senate budget
Just what employers don’t need: the return of the union-supported employer gag rule that was thought dead and buried in 2009’s legislative session. Deep in the 2010 Senate operating budget, the House quietly inserted language that prohibits employers receiving state funds to provide long-term care services or services to the developmentally disabled from using these funds to assist, promote, or deter union organization. The inclusion of such language is invalid under a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in U.S. Chamber of Commerce v. Brown, and AWB is working to remove this attempt to restrict employer free speech rights from the budget.


Congressional leadership plans final health-care vote this week
In the face of strong opposition from the American public, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., plans on forcing a vote this week on the Senate-approved health-care legislation with no amendments so it can bypass a possible Senate filibuster. This bill is opposed by many House Democrats and all House Republicans. Health-care reform is needed, but the current bill does not embrace a market-oriented approach, including medical liability reform and allowing individuals to purchase insurance across state lines. An analysis by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce examines the health reform proposal and debunks some of the claims about it. Contact your senators and members of Congress and urge them to oppose this legislative effort. It’s time to scrap this bill and start over with real health-care reform. For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward.


State workers should pay more — not taxpayers
The state’s public employee health-care program has a $220 million shortfall. To keep it solvent, legislators propose to take funds from a variety of sources, including the dwindling state general fund and two state treasury accounts. The dispute is not small money — $134 million more spending in the House alternative, just under $40 million in the Senate plan, and about half of the funds in either scenario come out of the state's general fund. Any way you look at it, the taxpayers lose.


AWB files amicus brief in employment law case before Washington State Supreme Court
AWB filed a friend of the court brief Monday with the Washington State Supreme Court in support of Avista Corp. in the case of Dickson v. Avista Energy, Inc. The case involves an award of exemplary damages in a wage payment dispute. AWB believes the punitive damages were improperly awarded given the facts of this case and is urging the Supreme Court to hear Avista’s appeal. For more information, contact AWB’s Kris Tefft.


New national education standards could mean changes to statewide assessments
Students across the United States may soon be held to the same English and math standards in a historic move by state governors to develop common standards for our schools.Such standards will likely drive the use of common textbooks and standardized tests in order to ensure students are taught the exact same information and are indeed meeting the same standards.While Alaska and Texas have already opted out of the project, the standards could potentially become binding in much of the rest of the country, depending on how many state legislatures approve them. Lawmakers, teachers and students should all brace themselves for yet additional changes that will be needed in our educational system in order for Washington to participate in such a national endeavor. Such changes could also require millions of additional dollars for textbook adoptions as well as realignment of statewide tests such as the WASL to ensure students are meeting the new standards.Most countries throughout the world have standardized curriculums that work well — in most cases.The true test for the United States will be to ensure the bar is set high so all students achieve to higher levels of academic competency, rather than dumbed-down standards that merely ensure students can graduate. For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward.


Bill allowing purchase of health insurance from other states will return next year
An AWB priority bill to allow health insurance consumers the opportunity to purchase health insurance across state lines was pronounced dead as the regular session neared its end. HB 3015, sponsored by Rep. Eileen Cody, D-Seattle, would have opened up Washington’s health insurance market to out-of-state competition, in turn lowering costs and increasing quality. Unfortunately, the legislative leadership killed the bill under pressure from providers and mental health advocates. “Our interest in the bill was to introduce some competition and put downward pressure on health-care premiums,” said AWB Government Affairs Director Donna Steward. “We’ll give it another shot next year.” For more information, contact AWB’s Donna Steward.


OTHER NEWS
PDC Director Rippie leaving on March 31
Vicki Rippie, executive director of the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission, will leave her position on March 31 after 23 years with the commission. “Her knowledge of the legislative process and excellent working relationship with legislators, their staff, our stakeholders, and the commission contributed to the commission's success,” said Jim Clements, commission chairman. “Her professionalism and knowledge of public disclosure issues was nothing short of impressive.”


Annual manufacturing and wholesale survey needs your input
The AWB Institute, in partnership with RSM McGladrey, is hosting an annual manufacturing and wholesale distribution survey. The survey focuses on key areas within the industry dealing with condition of business, growth strategies, global economy, supply chain, operational effectiveness, margin improvement, innovation, health care, tax strategies, information technology, risk management and workforce. The survey is open until Friday, April 2. For more information, contact AWB Institute’s Grant Gilmore.


Register now for Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference, April 6-7
Don’t miss this opportunity to join with emergency management planning professionals from the private and public sectors and share lessons in emerging topics in preparedness. The Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference takes place April 6 – 7, at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center. Call 866.986.8083 or 253.238.8000 for lodging registration at the Hotel Murano. For more information, contact Dana (Schlenker) Colwell at 253.445.4575.


Win $10,000 for your small business with Office 2010 video contest
Any business with seven or fewer full-time employees in Washington state is eligible to enter the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce and Microsoft Corporation’s “It’s Time for Business with Office 2010 Video Contest. Participation is easy. Download a FREE trial version of Office 2010 and use it in your business. Then create a short video about your positive experience with Office 2010. Finally, complete the video contest submission form at ItsTimeForBusiness.com before Thursday, April 22. Submissions will be judged on five criteria: originality, creativity, concept, information, and overall presentation. Prizes include $10,000 (Best Video/Grand Prize Winner), $1,000 (Best Foreign Language Video) and $1,000 (Best Video by a Woman-Owned Business). No purchase is necessary but participants must meet all contest rules and eligibility requirements. Click here for more information.


Spokane drug manufacturer shows double digit growth despite recession
Although Washington’s economy still struggles to pull out of a long recession, some companies are thriving despite the tough economic environment. A good example is Hollister-Stier Laboratories, a contract drug manufacturer in Spokane, and an AWB member since 2007. At a time when other companies reduced their workforces, Hollister-Stier added approximately 70 employees during a fiscal year marked by double-digit revenue growth. The company employs about 620 people, including 80 temporary employees. If you have a good news story about your company that you’d like to see in Member Spotlight, contact AWB’s Paul Schlienz.


AWB EVENTS & RESOURCES
AWB Spring Meeting- May 11 – 12
Join us for our annual spring meeting at the historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane on May 11-12. Keynote speakers include Dr. Elson Floyd, president, Washington State University; David Allen, executive vice president, McKinstry Co. and Dr. Arun Raha, executive director of the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council. The event also features the presentation of AWB’s annual Community Service and Environmental Excellence Awards. As part of the afternoon program on May 11, AWB government affairs staff will lead issue discussions and reflect on the 2010 legislative session. Register online or contact AWB’s Jodi Martinez.


Get recognition for your company’s achievements with AWB’s Community Service Awards
AWB’s Community Service Awards recognize members’ volunteerism and contributions that make our communities better places to live and work. Entries may be submitted for projects that support education, youth organizations, community beautification projects, community organizations that help people in need or programs recognizing volunteerism. There’s also a special general category for projects that mobilize communities into action. Awards will be presented at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane, in conjunction with AWB’s Spring Meeting May 11-12. If you would like us to fax or mail a nomination form to you, contact AWB’s Jodi Martinez.


AWB Environmental Excellence Awards – March 19 is deadline for nominations
AWB’s Environmental Excellence Awards recognize companies demonstrating initiative, innovation and outstanding achievements in environmental compliance, protection and conservation. Award categories include resource conservation and pollution prevention, sustainable communities and green building, leading environmental practices, and green enterprise and technology. Click here for more details.


Reminder: We need your nominations for AWB Board
AWB is seeking nominations for its board of directors. Please send the name and contact information of your nominee(s) to Dick Walter, AWB vice president of operations, by Friday, April 30.


Legislative wrap-up Webinar — Tuesday, March 23
Important new employment and human resource bills were introduced and considered in 2010 session of the Washington State Legislature, including changes to the state’s unemployment insurance system, workers’ compensation system, paid family leave and workplace relations. Join us for a free 60-minute webinar to find out what laws passed, how they will affect your operations and what bills are still alive for next year. We will also talk about how to prepare for possible future changes to our state’s employment laws. Register online or contact AWB’s Jodi Martinez.


Employee handbooks and personnel policies: Are you in compliance?
Given the growing legal and practical importance of personnel policies in today's workplace, many employers are turning to the use of employee handbooks to implement and communicate the details of the employer/employee relationship. A carefully prepared and customized handbook can be an employer's biggest weapon against labor and employment litigation, if properly crafted and utilized. This seminar on May 4, 8 a.m. – noon, at the Holiday Inn Seattle-SeaTac Airport (17338 International Blvd., SeaTac) will offer helpful advice on what to include in your employee handbook so that you can maximize communication and minimize your liability. For more information, contact AWB’s Jodi Martinez.


THEY SAID IT
“It is unbelievable that when so many people have lost their jobs, the Democratic majority is so adamant about raising taxes that they ignored the will of the people and overturned the Taxpayer Protection Act (Initiative 960). I still firmly believe we could have balanced the budget without raising taxes and still protected our state’s most vulnerable citizens.” – Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis


This Week's President's Perspective: Butch Otter (and others) courting Washington’s employers