Neal Dunn: “I am pleased to hear preliminary reports that indicate that our economy might be back on track, but in Washington State…”

“I am pleased to hear preliminary reports that indicate that our economy might be back on track, but in Washington State, recovery will take longer. Our unemployment continues to go up, not down, for each round of Boeing layoffs. At 7.5 percent, it is the second highest in the Nation. Many analysts have projected it will grow to 8 percent, the highest unemployment in the Nation. So we can see why providing the benefits that we provide for unemployed people in this bill is crucial, but it is not enough, Madam Speaker. It is also crucial to provide some help for businesses so that they will invest in workers and keep people employed. We know it is the private sector that creates jobs. Assisting them needs to be a focus of our recovery efforts. The tax provisions in this bill will encourage Washington State companies to begin investing again and keep people employed. I urge passage of this bill.”