Washington State government has lost less than 1 percent of its government workers during this recession compared to 316,000 jobs in the private sector. This figure’s probably closer to 700,000 if underemployed workers, business owners who have lost their businesses, and contract workers (who are ineligible for unemployment benefits) are included in the overall equation.
We have been stuck at 8.9 percent unemployment for several months. This figure is better than the national 9.6 percent unemployment rate and certainly better than Nevada’s 14.4 percent, but more needs to be done to eradicate our disabling economic situation. The Legislature should have been supporting businesses, but instead they increased B&O taxes and unemployment taxes for 2011 substantially. Consequently, the ever- increasing L&I taxes are actually forcing businesses to close.
After 55 years of nearly-full control of the Legislature, the Democrats just aren’t getting it. Perhaps we should be looking to Germany’s improved economy due to their decreased spending. Their government also cut salaries to preserve jobs. Their methods may seem unconventional, but continued efforts towards job creation and decreased government spending are critical. Washington state’s economic policies need to be retooled, subsequently mitigating the hardships our unemployed must endure.
This year let’s elect Joe Fain, Mark Hargrove, and Rodrigo Yanez. These candidates’ focus on economic recovery are urgently needed: why not give the Republicans an opportunity to implement their plans? They couldn’t possibly do worse than the current Legislature. Isn’t it worth the try? I think so.
Cheryl Jackson
Kent
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