Governor applauds Senate�s action on UI tax cut, benefit extension

For Immediate Release: February 4, 2011

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire released the following statement in recognition of the Senate�s vote on SB 5135, the governor�s request legislation to provide businesses $300 million in unemployment tax relief and continue extended unemployment benefits.

�I applaud the Senate for prioritizing as their first two bills early action on the supplemental budget and relief for our businesses and unemployed workers. Their bi-partisan support and speedy votes show a willingness to work across the aisle to help guide our state and support our economic recovery.

�Thanks to their leadership more than 80,000 small businesses will pay lower unemployment insurance rates than they did in 2010 and more than 65,000 of them will see a rate reduction of 48 percent. Those savings will allow them to again start hiring and start growing. For those out of work, the continuation of unemployment benefits will help nearly 70,000 families across our state as they stretch to make ends meet. The final bill must reach my desk by Tuesday, Feb. 8, and I urge the members of the House to approve the package quickly to give businesses and families the support they need.�