Labor advocates are concerned with SB 5061 in its current form Michael Goldberg January 25, 2021
There is concern among labor advocates that SB 5061 a bill that would provide unemployment insurance tax relief for businesses and increase the minimum weekly unemployment benefit for workers could leave some workers worse off than before.
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These concerns were aggravated after the bill was amended before passing in executive session. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Curtis King (R – Yakima), limits an individual’s weekly benefit amount for unemployment compensation to the individual’s weekly wage using an annualized calculation. In other words, the amendment will prevent individuals from earning more through unemployment compensation than they did while working.
Former Inslee staffer appointed to EPA leadership team Michael Goldberg January 22, 2021
Casey Katims, former Director of Federal and Inter-State Affairs for Washington Governor Jay Inslee, is among a group of members joining the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) incoming leadership team.
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In a statement yesterday, the EPA said members of the leadership team will advance the Biden-Harris administration’s agenda to tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice and create clean energy jobs.
Katims will serve as Deputy Associate Administrator for Intergovernmental Affairs. Work related to intergovernmental affairs involves facilitating interactions with states and local governments, and coordinates those activities with the EPA’s regional offices.
Sydney Kurle January 21, 2021
On Monday, the Washington Senate Labor, Commerce and Tribal Affairs Committee heard testimony on SB 5115, the Health Emergency Labor Standards Act or (HELSA). The committee heard testimony from around 20 groups about the proposed act. These included labor unions, small business associations, insurance associations and the Washington State Hospital Association.
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HELSA is a bill that aims to provide protections for frontline workers during a public health emergency. One of the bill’s main sponsors is the Chair of the Labor, Commerce and Tribal Affairs Committee, Sen. Karen Keiser.
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Republican leaders discuss legislative goals for 2021 session Michael Goldberg January 14, 2021
Leaders from the House and Senate Republican Caucuses House Minority Leader JT Wilcox, Senate Minority Leader John Braun, House Minority Floor Leader Jacquelin Maycumber, House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Drew Stokesbary, Senate Minority Leader John Braun, Senate Republican Caucus Chair Ann Rivers and Senate Ways & Means Committee Chair Lynda Wilson gathered Wednesday for a virtual press conference to discuss the 2021 legislative session.
The leaders talked over their ideas to make use of the state’s rainy day fund, foundational public health investment, and the governor’s emergency powers.
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