Gov. Gregoire�s statement on Weyerhaeuser mill closings

For Immediate Release: January 26, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today released the following statement on the closing of Weyerhaeuser mills:

�Today�s Weyerhaeuser mill closings signify a sad day in our state. Weyerhaeuser has long been one of Washington�s strongest business leaders. These closings and the resulting loss of jobs have a negative affect on our families and are difficult for any community to absorb.

�I strongly urge Congress and the state Legislature to move quickly on economic stimulus packages that will help get Washingtonians back to work and get this economy back on track.

�I have been in contact with Washington�s Employment Security Department (ESD) and Weyerhaeuser employees affected by the closures should contact ESD for help in filing for unemployment insurance and to explore other job opportunities. Our highest priority is to help those workers find other good jobs as quickly as possible.�