News
Workers’ comp rates going up again in 2017
The average premium for workers’ compensation coverage in Washington will go up 0.7 percent.
Posted on 12/12/2016
Defense bill includes changes to DOD procurement
AGC of America reports that last week the House of Representatives overwhelmingly (373-34) passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (NDAA).
Posted on 12/12/2016
Minimum wage climbing to $11 in 2017; paid sick leave starts in 2018
The minimum wage in Washington will increase to $11 an hour starting on Jan. 1, 2017, and to $13.50 by 2020.
Posted on 12/12/2016
Contractors should not have to be represented by attorneys with conflicts of interest in insurance cases, AGC argues
Attorneys representing contractors shouldn’t have a conflict of interest, right? That’s the crux of the matter in a case before the State Supreme Court.
Posted on 12/12/2016
After AGC protests, DOE pulls back for now on soil handling rules
DOE will issue a second draft of proposed solid-waste rules that could cause a contractor to unwittingly become subject to solid-waste landfill rules, or require satisfaction of onerous landfill post-closure care or financial assurance requirements.
Posted on 11/29/2016
Win for the industry: AGC and allies secure changes to DOE’s construction stormwater permit
AGC and its partner organizations settled its appeal of the new Construction Stormwater General Permit with the Department of Ecology.
Posted on 11/29/2016
WSDOT Design-Build report notes progress, recommends improvements
WSDOT is doing many things well when implementing design/build projects but could take steps to improve, according to a recently-completed report prepared for the State’s Joint Transportation Committee (JTC).
Posted on 11/29/2016
Significant New Obama Regulations, Including Overtime, Are Blocked
After waking up to the news of a Trump victory, a number of clients have asked whether the long list of pending Obama regulatory labor and employment changes, which were assumed to be “safe” under the expected Clinton win, will be rescinded under a Trump administration.
Posted on 11/29/2016
AGC’s BUILD PAC helps keep the MCC in control
AGC’s BUILD PAC Senior Council’s #1 going into the 2016 elections was for the Majority Coalition Caucus (25 Republicans and 1 Democrat) to remain in control of the Senate -- a goal which was achieved.
Posted on 11/15/2016
AGC welcomes new Seattle District manager
As you may know, long-time Seattle District Manager Jerry Dinndorf is retiring at the end of the year. Now, after a lengthy search, AGC is very pleased to welcome Sonja Forster to our staff as the new Seattle District manager.
Posted on 11/01/2016
AGC urges OSHA to reconsider unjustified policy against post‐accident drug testing
Earlier this year the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a new rule on recordkeeping, which highlighted OSHA’s intention to enforce policies that prohibit mandatory post- accident alcohol and drug testing
Posted on 10/18/2016
L&I proposes workers’-comp rate increase for 2017
The rate paid for workers’ compensation coverage in Washington would rise by an average of 0.7 percent next year under a proposal released by L&I...
Posted on 10/03/2016
Drug testing rules, pension reform among issues AGCWA leaders discuss with Congress
AGC of Washington leadership traveled to Washington, DC last week to encourage Congress to overturn onerous new regulations and to pass important education and jobs bills.
Posted on 10/03/2016
State Supreme Court refuses to review Brightwater case; contractors should be aware of increased liability risk
By John P. Ahlers and Ceslie A. Blass, Ahlers & Cressman
Posted on 09/19/2016
WSDOT proposes mandatory small-business and vet-owned subcontracting goals
WSDOT recently aired a proposal to have fixed small business and Veteran business enforceable contract goals on all solely state funded projects.
Posted on 09/19/2016
AGC opposes onerous soils-handling proposed regs
AGC is opposing Department of Ecology proposed solid waste rules that could cause a contractor to unwittingly become subject to solid waste landfill rules, or require satisfaction of onerous landfill post-closure care or financial assurance requirements.
Posted on 09/19/2016
AGC’s new Environment Committee tackles proposed soils-handling regulations
AGC formed a new Environment Committee to address proposed regulations and legislation regarding environmental issues.
Posted on 09/02/2016
Learn how to deal with onerous “blacklisting” Executive Order
AGC of America is set to help members get a handle on, and comply with, the 850 pages of new burdensome and unnecessary regulations known as the Fair Pay and Save Workplaces Executive Order signed by President Obama.
Posted on 09/02/2016
Who will control the State Senate after the general election?
AGC members are encouraged to take a look at three key races in the 2016 General Election that will decide if the Majority Coalition Caucus (MCC) stays in control of the Senate.
Posted on 08/31/2016
When do contractors pay sales tax on clean-up activities?
AGC continues to receive inquiries from contractors regarding the payment of sales taxes on final cleaning subcontracts.
Posted on 08/22/2016
Primary-election highlights and lowlights
AGC’s BUILD PAC’s Senior Council decided last fall on three top priories for the 2017 elections...
Posted on 08/09/2016
Statewide ballot measures qualify for the general election
The Secretary of State had announced that the follow ballot measures have qualified for the general election in November.
Posted on 08/09/2016
Don’t overlook Supreme Court races on your ballot!
Races for the State Supreme Court are usually low-key affairs. Many voters overlook them on the ballot as much of the time there is either only one person running or the candidates are unknown.
Posted on 07/26/2016
Court puts hold on AGC-opposed “persuader rule”
From AGC of America...
Posted on 07/26/2016
AGC of America releases construction outlook
The July 2016 Construction Spending, Labor & Materials Outlook from Ken Simonson, Chief Economist for AGC of America.