Washington businesses would get a break on this year’s unemployment taxes under a bill headed for a floor vote in the state Senate. It’s projected to save Washington employers about $300 million by halting a planned increase in unemployment insurance rates, the Associated Press reports.
The bill’s a priority for Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire. She says it has to pass both chambers of the Legislature and be signed into law by Feb. 8 to have an effect on this year’s unemployment tax rates.
Lawmakers also have other issues to consider in the area of unemployment policy, but those topics have been split from the tax-relief bill and will be debated separately. Labor groups have advocated for a new $15-per-child payment for jobless families, but businesses are wary of adding more benefits.
The Spokesman-Review business team follows economic development in Spokane and the Inland Northwest.
Tom Sowa Tom Sowa covers technology, retail and economic development and writes the Office Hours blog.
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John Stucke John Stucke's primary coverage areas include health care, agriculture and the labor market.
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Becky Kramer Becky Kramer covers the environment, natural resources and utilities.
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Alison Boggs Online Producer Alison Boggs posts and manages content on spokesman.com and its social networking accounts.
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Scott Maben Scott Maben is a Deputy City Editor who covers North Idaho news and higher education.
Addy Hatch is the city editor, and formerly was business editor.
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