OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Chris Gregoire is hoping for support from business and labor on changes to Washington’s workers compensation and unemployment insurance programs.
Gregoire says some of the changes already have support from the two sides, which often battle over payroll taxes and worker benefits. Other changes are proposals that Gregoire hopes will gain traction when the Legislature starts next week.
One major change would cap a portion of unemployment taxes at last year’s rate, using a fund balance to cover costs. The Democratic governor says that would save employers about $300 million in 2011.
Gregoire also wants to cut the rate of expensive lifetime pensions in the workers compensation system and boost training programs to attract more federal money.
