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Statement from Rep. Norma
Smith on Boeing's 787 decision
10th District lawmaker is lead Republican on
House Community and Economic Development and Trade Committee
"I am
very disappointed to hear about Boeing’s 787 decision. Today’s
announcement is a vital reminder that Washington state simply does not
have a business climate that is fair to its employers. Employers
continually face uncompetitive and high costs from the state’s workers’
compensation, unemployment insurance, regulatory, and health insurance
systems. These problems have not been addressed by the Legislature and
were significant factors in Boeing’s recent decision.
“These employer concerns have also contributed to Washington state
losing the last five location decisions made by aerospace companies.
This means thousands of jobs lost in our region. This also has
far-reaching effects on other business sectors in our state and sends a
negative message to employers who might be considering relocating here.
“Our state must learn a hard lesson from Boeing. No more touting
business magazine ratings and pretending like serious problems do not
exist. We must take a critical look at the Boeing decision, in the
broader context of other aerospace company decisions, and take an
objective approach to improving our business climate. We need decisive
action this legislative session to reassert our commitment to all
employers and their employees, and to ensure that Washington state can
be a home for the best aerospace companies in the world.”
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For more information, contact:
John Handy, Deputy Communications
Director, (360) 786-5758
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