Lawmaker reminds employers to comment on proposed workers’ compensation rate increase
Comments on proposed $117 million tax increase will be accepted at public hearings and in writing until Nov. 7, 2009
Rep. Cary Condotta, lead Republican on commerce and labor issues, urges employers to make their voices heard on the state Department of Labor and Industries’ proposed 7.6 percent workers’ compensation tax increase. The increase is estimated to cost employers $117 million. Comments will be accepted at six public hearings and in writing until Nov. 7.
“Now is the time to speak up,” said Condotta, R-East Wenatchee. “The rate increase was proposed in late September, with the goal of setting 2010 new rates by the end of November. This potential tax hike is moving along very quickly, making it critically important for employers to come forward and talk about the impact higher taxes will have on their ability to employ people and keep their doors open.”
The public hearings on the rate increase will take place as follows:
• Tukwila: Oct. 27, 1 p.m., L&I Office, 12806 Gateway Dr.
• Tumwater: Oct. 28, 10 a.m., L&I Headquarters, 7273 Linderson Way S.W.
• Vancouver: Oct. 28, 10 a.m., Red Lion Inn at the Quay, 100 Columbia St.
• Bellingham: Oct. 29, 1 p.m., Bellingham Quality Inn, 100 E. Kellogg Rd.
• Spokane: Oct. 30, 9 a.m., Spokane Airport Ramada, 8909 W. Airport Dr.
• Richland: Oct. 30, 2 p.m., Richland Hampton Inn, 486 Bradley Blvd.
The 2010 rates will be adopted by Nov. 30. Employers can also submit comments in writing on or before Nov. 7, 2009. Written comments can be e-mailed to Ronald Moore, Employer Services Program Manager, at MOOA235@lni.wa.gov. Comments can be mailed to Ronald Moore at Department of Labor & Industries, P.O. Box 44140, Olympia, WA 98504-4140. Faxed comments should go to 360-902-4729.
“I understand the public hearing locations may not be convenient, but I hope folks will consider sending an e-mail or a letter if they cannot attend one of the six hearings around Washington,” Condotta said. “State agencies must know how increased taxes will impact employers and job creation.”
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Contact: Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer, (360) 786-7252
