OLYMPIA— Gov. Gregoire’s proposed changes to the state’s unemployment insurance and workers’ comp systems are welcome news to the business community, according to Don Brunell, president of the Association of Washington Business. AWB is the state’s largest and oldest business association. 

“Today’s announcements by the governor about proposed changes to the UI and workers’ comp systems would be a positive step forward for businesses on both of these issues. The combined forces of a challenging economy and higher taxes continue to take their toll on private employers and their ability to create jobs,” said Brunell. “The governor’s efforts to rein in costs and reduce taxes comes at a time when many businesses are seeing multiple tax rate increases. If enacted, these changes would offer employers a small dose of certainty when they need it most.

“Make no mistake: The governor’s proposals are a good start. But our members believe more must be done this session, for example, to shore up the long-term health of the workers’ comp system and maintain the integrity of our UI trust fund,” added Brunell.  “We appreciate Gov. Gregoire’s leadership on these two vital issues for private employers, and look forward to working with her and the Legislature when session convenes next week.”


About the Association of Washington Business
Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association, and includes more than 7,100+ members representing 650,000 employees. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association. While its membership includes major employers like Boeing, Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser, 90 percent of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10. For more about AWB, visit www.awb.org.