Today, AWB joined more than 80 business associations, businesses and individuals in urging the Senate to reject House amendments to Substitute Senate Bill 5963. Read the letter sent to members of the Washington State Senate here.
Last Friday, lawmakers in the House altered the bill, which had originally gained the support of the broader business community in a deal that would have brought the state's unemployment insurance system back into conformity with federal law. The resulting amendments would increase insurance rates for businesses and give unemployment benefits to those who voluntarily quit their jobs.
As the letter to lawmakers points out, now is not the time to increase the stress on private employers, which are the backbone of our economic recovery.Washington businesses pay one of the highest unemployment insurance tax rates in the country -- a major factor in cost competitiveness.
Today's Yakima Herald Republic has a strong editorial on the UI issue, as well.
