Holmquist Newbry: reform workers' compensation system

OLYMPIA - In the wake of the machinists union's rejection last week of Boeing's contract offer, Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry is calling for action to create a more business friendly environment in the state.

"I was very disappointed that the machinists rejected Boeing's offer, putting in jeopardy the tens of thousands of jobs the state would gain from the 777X program," Holmquist Newbry said. "Now more than ever, we need to show not just Boeing, but all employers that Washington is serious about making this a state where private sector enterprises, large and small, can thrive."

Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake and chair of the Commerce and Labor Committee, has been a long-time advocate for reforming the state's expensive workers' compensation system, which has the highest industrial-insurance taxes in the country.

"It takes twice as long as the national average to return an injured worker to work in this state," she said. "In part, the reason for this delay is because our workers' compensation system restricts the option of voluntary structured settlements to claimants age 55 and older.

Holmquist Newbry said without reform, employers would face in increase of more than $2 billion in industrial-insurance taxes in the next nine years.

"If we are serious about showing employers that Washington is a state that's open for business, we need to act now," she said.

Holmquist Newbry noted the Legislature was able to reform the unemployment insurance system in 2003, which many thought wouldn't happen.

"If we want to send out a positive message about our state to employers, we need a lot fewer words and many more actions like these."