UI Reform Back to the House

Last night the Senate passed SB 5963, rejecting two bad amendments placed on the bill in the House. Here's Jennifer Sullivan's Seattle Times story.

The proposal will return to the House with the request that representatives drop amendments that would:

• Increase the amount of benefits paid to unemployed workers, up to $20 per week.


• Solidify a state Supreme Court decision from last summer that said some employees who quit voluntarily can receive state benefits.

The Senate bill is a responsible measure that protects the UI trust fund, brings state policy into compliance with federal law, avoids job destroying tax hikes, and restores unambiguous policy regarding employees who voluntarily leave their jobs. It originally passed the Senate in March on a 38-11, with bipartisan support. In the House, the amended bill passed narrowly, 53-45, Representatives should now quickly accept the Senate version.