April 10, 2009

Rep. Barbara Bailey's statement on today's passage of controversial unemployment insurance bill  
Senate Bill 5963 passes House on a 53-45 vote   

"At a time when we need to get our economy back on track, this is a big step backward for the employers of our state. While much of the debate has focused on the aerospace industry, it is also about the small employers and hard-working families across our state that are going to suffer as a result of this bill.

"With rising unemployment and uncertain economic times, state government should be trying to ease the regulatory and financial burdens on employers. Today, we've added to their problems and, in the end, it is going to hurt middle-class families.

"This may be the worst example I've seen of one-party control in Olympia pushing more harmful policies on the state. It also represents a broken promise from the majority party -- one that will have a chilling effect on our economy, jobs and the legislative process."

Senate Bill 5963

The state's unemployment compensation system provides partial wage replacement for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. Most covered employers pay contributions, or payroll taxes, to finance benefits.

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For more information, contact: John Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758