OLYMPIA— The Association of Washington Business issued the following statement today regarding the announcement by Labor & Industries and the Employment Security Department that payroll tax rates will be lower than expected in 2012: 

“This is a welcome surprise for employers,” said Kris Tefft, AWB general counsel and government affairs director on employment law and workers’ compensation. “Today’s announcement reflects the value of the reform measures passed in 2011, without which employers would surely have seen rate increases next year. We’ve appreciated the opportunity to make our case that this is not the time for any sort of rate increase on business,” said Tefft. “We are grateful that L&I took to heart both our concerns and the thoughtful input of our member companies.

“Private employers need every possible tool to help better position themselves for success in this challenging economy,” he added. “Today’s announcement takes away some of the uncertainty for employers who are perhaps on the verge of adding jobs but reluctant to do so because of continued tax increases. And while some industries may still see a slight bump in their taxes for 2012, while others a slight decrease, on the whole, this is great news for employers.”