Senate committee OKs workers' bills

OLYMPIA - Friday marked the last day senators could vote on Senate policy bills in their respective committees. Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry was pleased with the success of the Commerce and Labor Committee.

"I am proud of what we accomplished as a committee," said Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake. "We passed bills that would reform our workers' compensation system, help injured workers who want more options, address teen unemployment, and protect the privacy of workers."

Several bills were passed by the committee with unanimous votes, including bills introduced by the Senate minority.

Holmquist Newbry said as the chair of the Commerce and Labor Committee, she worked to keep business focused on private sector job creation.

"That is exactly what we did - we looked at every bill before the committee and granted hearings to all of the high-priority bills from both parties, and voted for those bills that fit within our focus on helping the private sector create jobs."

The Commerce and Labor Committee also reaffirmed a commitment to the five-day rule, Senate Rule 45, which states "At least five days notice shall be given of all public hearings held by any committee other than the rules committee."

"As far as my role as chair, we did not suspend the five-day rule, giving the public ample time to review every bill," Holmquist Newbry said. "At the end of the day, I am hopeful that many of our bills will pass the Senate and move on to the House."

Focus will shift to floor action this week for the Senate.