BILL REQ. #:  H-4700.1 

Read first time 01/26/10.   Referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.

     AN ACT Relating to the unemployment insurance system, but only with respect to improving unemployment benefits and adjusting unemployment contributions; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that the fundamental purposes of the unemployment insurance system are to provide partial wage replacement to unemployed workers, to provide families and communities with a degree of economic stability, and to counter the harmful effects of economic downturns by providing the economy with an economic stimulus. To that end, the legislature finds that eligibility requirements, disqualification provisions, and benefit amounts related to regular and additional benefits should be improved to enhance the effects of the unemployment insurance system on individuals, families, and communities. Furthermore, the legislature finds that unemployment contributions should be adjusted to help unemployed and low-income citizens access the training and education necessary to help them find and keep living wage jobs, and to mitigate the effects of the most recent economic downturn on employers and their ability to retain and create jobs.