Bill with relief for Washington businesses, unemployed workers heads to governor's desk
A bill that would increase the minimum weekly benefit for unemployed workers and curb an increase in employers’ unemployment taxes has passed the both houses of the Washington state legislature with broad support.
The state Senate passed the bill, which was requested by Gov. Jay Inslee, in a 42-7 vote Wednesday night. It then moved to the House, which fast-tracked it to the floor and passed it in a 89-8 vote Friday afternoon.
As written, it would go into effect immediately when Inslee signs it into law.
“This issue is urgent,” said prime sponsor Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines, in a statement after it passed off the Senate floor earlier this week. “Employers are seeing increases of 300 to 500 percent and more in their unemployment premiums. SB (Senate Bill) 5061 provides a bridge for those who need it most.”
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