April 10, 2009

Statement from Rep. Norma Smith on passage of payroll tax hikes on employers

Senate Bill 5963, the well-crafted unemployment insurance legislation originally aimed at balancing out employers' payroll tax rates with the amount needed to ensure benefits for the unemployed, was gutted today after a heated debate. Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, made this statement:

"It’s truly disappointing that the majority made a decision to ‘pull the rug out from under’ a carefully-negotiated agreement to help both the unemployed in this state, and the employers trying to keep their doors open to retain employees and create new jobs during these economic times.

"I am grateful for my Democrat colleagues who joined House Republicans to make a stand and do the right thing to help employees and employers. The vote was close, but unfortunately we did not prevail. I can only hope that the Senate and governor will do the right thing and keep the promise made.

"Yesterday, an independent study on Washington's competitiveness was released that noted, 'While Washington offers many advantages to aerospace companies, its disadvantages outweigh the advantages in attracting and retaining aerospace companies relative to other states.' The report specifically mentioned Washington’s expensive unemployment insurance system as one of those disadvantages. This issue impacts all businesses in Washington. We must address the critical barriers to attract and retain employers who create and provide good jobs in Washington."

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For more information, contact: Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7252