Tag Archives: 2021 Legislature

Schoesler bill would help stabilize UI rates for employers amid call for rate hike

Following yesterday’s announcement by the state Employment Security Department that it will raise both minimum and maximum weekly unemployment benefits for jobless workers, 9th District Sen. Mark Schoesler pointed out that legislation he introduced would provide relief and help stabilize unemployment-insurance rates for Washington employers who pay UI taxes.

Schoesler’s proposal, Senate Bill 5197, would offer relief by adjusting the calculation used to determine UI taxes. Much like a tuition cap gives certainty to families and students about the costs of higher education, his bill would create a cap on the maximum UI wages subject to tax to provide welcome stability for employers when it comes to this particular cost of doing business. It was introduced during the 2021 legislative session and received a public hearing in the Senate Labor, Commerce and Tribal Affairs Committee but was not passed by the committee.

“Employers in Washington will be forced to pay more in unemployment-insurance taxes for reasons that aren’t their fault,” said Schoesler, R-Ritzville. “My bill is eligible for consideration again during the next legislative session. It would at least provide some needed stability at a time when employers really need it.

“One of my concerns about ESD’s proposed increase in unemployment benefits is that it will cause jobless workers to have less incentive to search for a new job and rejoin the workforce. There are certain sectors of our economy, especially restaurants and retail, that really need more workers. We need to get our unemployed back to work, not make it easier for them to stay unemployed when more workers are needed,” added Schoesler, a member of the Labor, Commerce and Tribal Affairs Committee.

The Employment Security Department yesterday announced that Washington’s average annual wage grew by 10.1 percent in 2020 to $76,741. According to ESD, the average annual wage is used to calculate unemployment benefits for jobless workers and Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits. The minimum weekly unemployment benefit, calculated at 20 percent of the average weekly wage, will increase by $94 to $295, for new claims opened on or after July 4. At the same time, the maximum weekly benefit, which is the greater of $496 or 63 percent of the average weekly wage, will increase by $85 to $929.

Schoesler, who owns and operates a wheat farm near Ritzville, says the past 15 months have been especially difficult and unusual for most Washington employers.

“Soon after COVID-19 reached Washington, our state government forced many businesses to close, driving up the number of unemployment claims and draining the fund that pays those claims. Many businesses in our state are still struggling, and the last thing they need right now is a sharp increase in paying UI taxes. My bill would provide needed relief and stability.”

Schoesler frustrated by complete closure of Legislative Building during session

Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, issued this statement regarding the closure of the Legislative Building and other Capitol Campus buildings to the public during the 2021 legislative session due to the COVID-19 pandemic:

“The Legislature is now in session to do the people’s business, yet the people are not allowed to get anywhere close to the Capitol to see their elected legislators in action or to interact in person with them on issues or concerns.

“I understand why fencing was put around the Capitol, and why there is such a strong presence by members of the Washington State Patrol, and National Guard and legislative security personnel. Nobody saw a reason for any of this until the U.S. Capitol was attacked, and now that the ‘wall’ is up Governor Inslee says he wants it to remain through Inauguration Day. I wonder if he’ll just leave it up indefinitely after that and point to our outgoing president as the excuse.

“Assuming the fence comes down and the additional security force goes away, the public will still be kept at arm’s length from what is supposed to be their government by the majority Democrats’ restrictions on public access. I appreciate the interest in protecting legislators, staff, lobbyists and the public from exposure to COVID-19, but conducting our work virtually has created a new kind of ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ in our state. One of the reasons I’m at the Capitol, instead of working from home like many legislators, is that I won’t risk missing a debate or a vote if there’s trouble with the internet service at my farm. Those who have reliable internet will be able to consider testifying remotely before legislative committees. Those who don’t will be shut out because they don’t have the option of traveling to Olympia and testifying in person.

“I have to believe most of us have left our homes at some point during this pandemic and set foot inside a retail store – and even if that store didn’t require the following of COVID precautions, we know what those precautions are. The Legislature’s meeting places are ‘boxes’ too, and that’s what makes the majority’s restrictions so frustrating. If people can shop at big-box or small retail stores, the public should be able to enter the Capitol as well.”

Schoesler to continue serving on budget, labor and commerce committees

Sen. Mark Schoesler will continue his long streak of serving on the Senate Ways and Means Committee when the Legislature convenes in January.

The 2021 legislative session, which starts Jan. 11 and lasts 105 days, will mark the 17^th straight year Schoesler has been a member of the budget-writing Ways and Means Committee since joining the Senate in 2005.

“I’ve taken great pride in serving on the Ways and Means Committee, and I’m pleased to continue doing so,” said Schoesler, R-Ritzville. “Tax and spending issues have always been among my highest priorities as a legislator, and by serving on Ways and Means, I can provide a voice for families and businesses in my district and our state to keep taxes and spending in check, and I will strongly oppose creating a state income tax.”

Schoesler has been named the Ways and Means Committee’s ranking Republican on the capital budget, which helps fund construction projects for state government buildings, state parks and colleges and universities.

“This role will allow me to work with my fellow Republicans and lead Democrats on the committee in producing a list of worthwhile projects to include in the state capital budget for the next two years, including those impacting local school districts and higher education institutions like WSU,” said Schoesler, whose district includes the Pullman-based Washington State University.

Schoesler also will continue serving on the recently renamed Senate Labor, Commerce and Tribal Affairs Committee. He says he will continue advocating for regulatory reform and other issues that will benefit Washington’s job creators and working families.

“My years of experience in the business of farming have helped me understand regulatory issues, which along with workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance are among the high-profile topics this committee addresses. I know how overzealous regulations imposed by government agencies can be as hard on employers as taxes. The more money and time you have to spend complying with rules, the less likely you are to prosper or even survive as a business owner, especially during this difficult period with COVID-19,” said Schoesler.

Schoesler said the labor and commerce panel needs to focus on shrinking and simplifying Washington’s vast, complex regulatory system.

“Washington’s regulatory code has over 196,000 separate regulations, which is more than all but five states. That should tell you there is serious need for reform – and this committee is the place to start,” added Schoesler.

Schoesler represents the 9th Legislative District, which covers all or part of Adams, Asotin, Franklin, Garfield, Spokane and Whitman counties.