On a recent broadcast of TVW’s The Impact, State House Speaker Laurie Jinkins invited NFIB to “come to the table” if it wanted to contribute something to solving the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund deficit. Below is State Director Patrick Connor’s email response to her, and below it a video of The Impact segment.

Speaker Jinkins:

I greatly enjoyed your interview tonight on TVW’s “The Impact.”

It was surprising to hear the host, Mike McClanahan, cite NFIB’s concerns about the massive unemployment tax increase small businesses face this year, and for years to come.

It was quite an unexpected honor to hear your invitation for NFIB to “come to the table,” with suggestions for addressing the problem, and legislation being considered to address it. We are pleased to accept that invitation, and thank you for it. 

Attached for your and Chair Sells’ consideration are NFIB’s suggested changes to the governor’s proposal. It is addressed to Senate committee leadership, since the bill was heard in that chamber today. We intend to testify on the House companion when it is scheduled for public hearing before that panel.

Meanwhile, I would be happy to discuss this crucial legislation, and how it would impact small employers, with you, your staff, or other members of your caucus at your earliest convenience. 

Perhaps this could be the first topic for conversation at regular, periodic meetings during session addressing small business issues, as we discussed during our last in-person meeting?

Again, thank you for the kind invitation to discuss our state’s unemployment trust fund situation, and small businesses’ suggestions for addressing it.

Beat regards,

—Patrick 

Patrick Connor
NFIB Washington State Director