So Long, Chair Conway

After 18 years serving on the Commerce & Labor committee, 11 of those as the Chair, Rep. Steve Conway banged the gavel one last time today in the House, closing a chapter in the committee's history.

It was an emotional moment, as many kind words were exchanged between the Chair and members from both parties on the committee.

"This committee has been home to me," said Conway. "This committee can easily become very polarized. But I think what we've been able to achieve here has been a good balance, and I attribute that a lot to the members here and to the high-quality staff."

"I've always found the Commerce and Labor Committee had some of the most robust, honest debate in the House," said Rep. Bruce Chandler, the Ranking Minority Leader on the committee. "I will say, Mr. Chair, you've always been fair... At least after some discussion," he jokingly added.

(Conway receives a hug from Rep. Jim Moeller)

Conway isn't going far, however. He leaves the House to join the Senate, in which he'll serve as the Vice-Chair of the Senate Labor, Commerce, and Consumer Protection Committee.

L&I opens Chuck Norris style can o' Whoop-A$$ on Underground Economy

Amongst several new laws going into effect today is one giving the state Department of Labor & Industries the ability to pursue subpoenas for “purposes of agency investigations of underground economy activity.”

The new law sponsored by Reps. Steve Conway, Maralyn Chase, Zack Hudgins, Jim Moeller, and Geoff Simpson gives some teeth to the arm of the agency that’s keeping workplaces safe, and ensuring every business in Washington is playing by the same rules.

In related news, L&I just announced a pretty fascinating new blog called Nailed, written by Carl Hammersburg, the Fraud Prevention and Compliance Manager at the agency.

So that makes Carl the Chuck Norris of L&I. Because the videos on Nailed are just like watching Walker, Texas Ranger except with more corporate crime and fewer slow-motion roundhouse kicks.
Here’s Carl on Nailed:

“People tend to think fraud only involves workers cheating the workers’ comp system, but it’s much more than that. Millions of dollars are lost when employers, medical providers and contractors commit fraud. The blog will show how my staff is working to fight fraud and also how we bring cheaters into compliance. I also hope Nailed will attract attention to workers’ comp fraud and encourage more people to tip us off to fraudulent activities.”

In other words, cracking down on the few bad apples helps the businesses playing by the rules by keeping L&I costs down, and most importantly, keeps workers and consumers safe.

And that, my friends, is Chuck Norris (and Conway, Chase, Hudgins, Moeller, and Simpson) approved.

Billions from state government bolstering families and businesses across Washington

The House Commerce and Labor Committee got an update this week from the state Employment Security Department. As you can expect, the unemployment rate is too high, but there are some important details to point out about our state’s system. Namely, its health and the boost to families and businesses the UI system provides us.

ESD reports they paid out a record $3.967 billion in unemployment benefits in our state last year.

Even with the lowest tax rates in 40 years (an average of 1.55%), the number receiving unemployment benefits is about 264,000 a week currently.

Due to our well-managed system, Washington will not trigger solvency surcharge, even at lowest forecasted balance: 10.2 months of benefits in 2011. Our UI system is still solvent and, at $2.6 billion, it has the ability to pay out 13.2 months of benefits.

This system is arguably the envy of the nation – the Washington Post reports: “According to federal projections, 40 state programs will go broke within two years and need $90 billion in loans to keep issuing the benefit checks.”

“Currently, 26 states have run out of unemployment money and have borrowed $24 billion from the federal government to cover the gaps. By 2011, according to Department of Labor estimates, 40 state funds will have been emptied by the jobless tsunami.”

We wish all those states the sincerest best of luck in getting out of that mess, and consider ourselves fortunate to live in Washington, the first and only state in the nation to reduce unemployment insurance rates for employers during this economic downturn.

It’s important to note here that the ability to provide this economic security not only benefits families, it benefits the businesses that rely on those families to stay open. Even conservative analysts agree, the quickest, most effective subsidized shot in the arm to the economy comes from putting money directly into the pockets of consumers through programs like unemployment insurance.

As our own Rep. Steve Conway wrote in a News Tribune op-ed last year:

“Let’s remember that the greatest stimulus to our economy is one that puts money directly into the pockets of our consumers. A business can’t survive and keep employees without customers, who seem absent from your formula for economic stability. In reality, the direct assistance to families on the brink … will provide a much-needed shot in the arm to our economy.”

That said, up to 277,210 will reach the maximum allowable amount of benefits by December 1 here in Washington. Those folks, and their families, will thus rely on other state services to provide for them. And, unless something is done, the businesses that relied on them will struggle even more.

The state WorkSource centers: One-stop job shopping

For a good amount of Americans, it’s tough these days trying to land the right job. But thanks to a state and federally funded job-search assistance service, some are finding it a little easier.

The WorkSource centers located around the state have helped unemployment-insurance claimants become as much as 37 percent more likely to find work than those who didn’t receive the services. What’s more, those who used WorkSource job services were on pace to earn as much as $3000 a year more than job seekers who didn’t visit WorkSource.

The results of the study were announced yesterday at the Renton WorkSource Center, where Rep. Steve Conway joined Karen Lee, the Commissioner of the state Employment Security Department, and successful WorkSource job-seekers.


WorkSource is a partnership of Employment Security, other state agencies, local governments, colleges and nonprofit organizations that work together to provide free employment and training services to job seekers and businesses. More than 270,000 people in Washington received assistance from WorkSource in 2008.

“In a tight labor market, these WorkSource centers are valuable resources,” said Conway who chairs the House Commerce and Labor Committee. “It’s been our goal to create these centers as ‘one-stops’ to meet the needs of both the unemployed, those looking to return to school or gain new skills, and for employers looking to fill jobs.”

WorkSource centers can help job-seekers:

• Find job openings
• Learn strategies for finding a job
• Get job referrals and job search assistance
• Get help preparing your résumé and getting ready for job interviews
• Post your résumé online for employers to see
• Share job-search strategies with other job seekers (job club)
• Assess your skills and get career guidance
• Get referred to a training program
• Learn how much jobs pay and what jobs are in demand

Each WorkSource Center has a resource room for job seekers with:

• Computers with Internet access
• Telephones
• Fax Machine
• Copy Machine
• Video Viewing Stations

Call or visit a WorkSource Center for more information.

For more information, visit a local WorkSource career center or read about it online at Go2WorkSource.com.

To read the full report, click here.

Tackling the Underground Economy

In just a matter of moments, legislators will convene a meeting of the Joint Legislative Task Force on the Underground Economy, chaired by Rep. Steve Conway.

The “Underground Economy…” Sounds sinister, right? Well, it may not be the stuff of Jason Bourne flicks, but the reach and impact of this task force is substantial. Their mission statement, as it is, reads: The purpose of the Task Force is to formulate a state policy to establish cohesion and transparency between state agencies to increase the oversight and regulation of the underground economy practices in the construction industry in the state.

Basically, they’re tackling the challenges in both identifying the bad apples in the construction industry who are cheating consumers and other legitimate construction businesses by skirting the rules and regs, and the efficacy of state enforcement practices. This could be anything from contractors who skirt labor laws, to unlicensed plumbers who could leave you and your home at risk.

The task force will spend their time today hearing from state agency and legislative experts on penalties for contractors in other states, what can be done to assist local governments with monitoring needs, and barriers to enforcement for agencies.

For more info on the Underground Economy Task Force, visit:
http://www.leg.wa.gov/joint/Committees/ueci

Let's talk pensions

The Select Committee on Pension Policy is meeting in Olympia today. Rep. Steve Conway chairs the committee.

The management structure of Washington's pension system has gone through many, many changes over the past few decades. Pensions are also an enormous cost-driver in our state budget. According to a report from last year, "the actuarial value of assets available as of the latest actuarial date for all systems was $50,791 million. The accrued liability is $56,467 million." This is not good. It's probably one reason we see lots of bills introduced every year to tweak pension policies.

So if you want to learn more about PERS, TRS, SERS, LEOFF, DROPS and other fun pension-related acronyms, this is the meeting for you! TVW will stream a live webcast for anyone wanting to tune in starting at 10.

Labor Day marks start of expanded benefits for many unemployed workers seeking retraining

In 2000, the Legislature established a Training Benefits Program to help workers who have been laid off and unable to find work because of a declining demand for their occupation. The program essentially provides extended unemployment benefits while a worker is going back to school.

This past session, the Legislature approved Rep. Steve Conway's legislation that expanded the program to help more people as they seek retraining and new job skills. Starting Monday, September 7, these benefits will now be available to more people: workers who are disabled due to illness or injury, low-income workers who need training to qualify for a higher-paying job, and current or recently-discharged members of the Washington National Guard.

The additional benefits provide 26 weeks of unemployment benefits while the worker is in training. You can find out more information about the program here.

SPECIAL TOWN HALL: The Economic Crisis, Unemployment, and our Social Safety Net

Saturday, February 21
9am to 12pm
Pacific Lutheran University
Scandinavian Cultural Center Room


Money is tight, jobs have become scarce, and families are struggling to make ends meet. That’s why it’s more important than ever to know what options are available, and how your state government can assist you through these tough times.

Join State Representatives Steve Conway, Tami Green and other legislators for a special town meeting to discuss the economic crisis, unemployment, and our state’s social safety net.

Representatives from state agencies and community support groups will also be on-hand to answer questions and provide information on how you can qualify for, and gain access to, state-offered programs and services to help you get back on your feet.

Attending the special town hall will be representatives from:

Washington State Employment Security Department

• Accessing Unemployment Benefits
• The Shared-Work Program: Assistance for Employers

Bates College and Clover Park Technical College

• Workforce Training Opportunities

United Way & the Pierce County Labor Agency

• Washington’s Social Safety Net

The Scandinavian Cultural Center Room at Pacific Lutheran University is located at the corner of Park Avenue South & Garfield Street. On-street parking only.

Governor Gregoire signs first bill of the session, House Bill 1906, flanked by some of the cutest kids you'll ever see.

Just returned from the Governor's signing of House Bill 1906, increasing benefits for unemployed workers by $45 a week.

At the press conference was Rep. Steve Conway, the bill's sponsor, along with Reps. Phyllis Kenney, Tina Orwall, and Speaker Frank Chopp, who drove home the point that this bill is not only an economic stimulus,it's a moral victory for our state's workers.

Also speaking at the event was Heather Reeber who recently lost her job due to the economic downturn. Heather explained what $45 a week could mean to families like hers facing tough times, which could mean food on the table and heat in their home. Heather's a mother of four of the most adorable kids you'll ever see, Brianna, Gavin, Brandon, and Kaitlyn, as evidenced in the slideshow.



For more info, click here.

House Democrats push through increased benefits for unemployed

House Democratic supporters of the bill dubbed it “Money for Main Street,” citing the immediate effect the added money will mean to families struggling to make ends meet, as well as the businesses that rely on them. The bill, HB 1906, increases unemployment-program benefits by $45 a week for workers in the program. Eligibility for retraining help is also broadened to take in honorably discharged veterans, disabled citizens, and low-wage workers.

“These are unemployed workers struggling to pay the rent, put food on the table, and buy shoes for their kids,” said Rep. Steve Conway, the sponsor of the bill. “They’re not high-end investors; they’re not hoarding this money. They’ll take this money to their local grocery store. And they’ll help that grocery store stay in business, as this money circulates throughout our economy.”

“This is a smart plan with a heart,” said Rep. Tina Orwall. “We understand the challenges people are facing, so we created this stimulus package designed to help struggling families and businesses, and to help them when they need it—which is now.”

Rep. Phyllis Kenney had this to say from the House Floor: “This bill is not just about un-employment, it’s really about re-employment. It’s about turning unemployment insurance from a passive income-maintenance program into an active tool for economic development.”

Read the full story here.

House will up benefits for unemployed workers today

Speaker Frank Chopp, Representative Steve Conway, and Representative Tina Orwall will hold a press conference this morning at 9:30 to announce an increase in unemployment benefits for workers who have lost their jobs due to the national economic nosedive.

Then at 10:00, members will go to the floor to debate and pass the measure (HB 1906). Dubbed the Economic Security Act of 2009, the bill will temporarily increase benefits for all unemployed workers $45 a week, and raise the minimum benefit from $129 per week to $155.

We'll post debate highlights and the result of the vote later today.

Tonight's hearing wrap-up on the Gov's proposal to boost unemployment benefits

In response to the tough economic times and the steady stream of layoffs we've witnessed around the state and country, the Governor and state legislators are taking quick action to boost the weekly benefits for all unemployed workers.

The House Commerce and Labor committee just completed a hearing on the governor's proposal, HB 1906, which would boost all unemployment benefits by $45 per week. Minority party members are concerned that we're sending mixed messages to the public by asking them previously to save, and now asking them to spend. But supporters of the legislation representing laid-off workers suggest there's no faster way to "mainline" money into our economy and foster the job-creating multiplier effect, than with increased benefits to the unemployed. Unlike other bailouts that have relied on a trickle-down effect, this will put money directly into the pockets of those who've suffered a job loss, helping keep them and the businesses that rely on them, from further erosion.

The Chair of the House Commerce and Labor Committee, Steve Conway, acknowledges the tough questions that face us, and no easy answers as we tread this unchartered territory. From his weekly dispatch to constituents in which he touches on the economic situation:

There are critical questions to answer: Do we rescue businesses with cash infusions, or will it take a federal make-work approach to keep people employed? And how do we keep our state’s safety net in place given the dramatic fall in state revenues?

Conway goes on to explain a little bit about his support for the legislation, stating, "Its purpose is simply incentive: More money in the economy, less tax burden, for employers so they can keep their employees working."

You can read more from Rep. Conway here.

Tough economic times = difficult pension obligations for state

Adam Wilson at the Olympian writes today about the difficulties the state faces in our pension obligation to retired employees and those nearing retirement.
As Wilson writes:

The investment fund that pays for the pensions of 453,000 public employees in Washington has taken a massive hit, losing 22 percent of its value in 2008.

The problem is compounded when the money that the state would normally invest and earn on has all but dried up due to the economic downturn and subsequent reduced revenue flowing into the state. Less money flowing into pension investments now means a bigger cut from salary contributions in the future.

When asked by Rep. Steve Conway, Chair of the House Commerce and Labor committee, if he sees an end in sight to these economic troubles, Joe Dear, executive director of the Washington State Investment Board, replied, "Until the credit markets return to more normal functioning, until house prices stabilize, the problems will continue. We've not seen the end of the bad news."

Read Adam’s full story here.

Dispatches from the Capital

As a regular feature of our blog, we'll try to provide readers a more direct link to their legislators, a behind-the-scenes approach bringing you thoughts, observations, and the news that falls through the cracks elsewhere.

Turning the spotlight to Rep. Steve Conway, who represents portions of Parkland, Lakewood, University Place, and South Tacoma in the 29th LD. Here are his thoughts on the '09 legislative session so far:

"If there is one single issue dominating our attention, it’s the budget deficit. Estimated to be upwards of $5 billion, that’s nearly 20 percent of our state budget. On Monday we began to consider our options in the Ways & Means committee – the primary committee that shapes our final budget. So many important programs are threatened with termination, ranging from Readiness to Learn programs for kids, to major cuts to basic health care for adults.

We also got our first glimpse into two very important documents: the emergency job-creation stimulus packages proposed by Governor Gregoire and newly elected President Obama. Both include plans to improve unemployment insurance and workforce training options this year. The President’s plan also includes efforts to help the unemployed with health insurance.

These initiatives must be our first priority in both Olympia and Washington D.C. As Chair of the House Commerce and Labor committee, I’ve begun hearings and discussions on the Governor’s unemployment insurance proposal this week. In the days and weeks ahead, I invite all of you to share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns with me. I want to hear from those of you most affected by this economic downturn."

Rep. Conway can be reached at: 360-786-7906 or Conway.steve@leg.wa.gov

It's that time again... legislative town hall meetings underway

The town meeting is one of those distinctly American traditions.

Without a doubt, public involvement must play a central role in government’s decision-making process. And that holds true whether you’re talking citizen participation in the tradition of Norman Rockwell’s famous Freedom of Speech painting or in the manner of modern-day political blogs so popular these days.

In fact, members of the House Democratic Caucus highlight public involvement in their regular community meetings. Legislators want to make sure their work in the state capital reflects what constituents in the real world are really thinking.

So if you want to share what's on your mind, here are some upcoming town hall meetings with legislators who would love to hear from you. Please do come. And be part of that public involvement thing that's so important.

• Thursday, January 8 in Redmond with Rep. Ross Hunter and Sen. Rodney Tom. 7 p.m. at Redmond City Hall (15670 NE 85th Street).

• Saturday, January 10 in Vancouver with Rep. Jim Moeller, Rep.-elect Jim Jacks and Sen. Craig Pridemore. 10 a.m. to noon in the 6^th floor hearing room of the Clark County Public Service Center (1300 Franklin St, Vancouver).

Update:

• Here's another meeting to note: Thursday, January 8 with Rep. Marko Liias, Rep. Mary Helen Roberts and Sen. Paull Shin. 6-8 p.m. at Mukilteo City Hall Council Chambers (11930 Cyrus Way, Mukilteo). Topic is about Paine Field.
• Rep. Steve Conway will also be hosting two town halls. They are:
  Jan. 31, 2009 at Bates Technical College – South Campus Cafeteria (2201 South 78th Street, Tacoma, WA)
  10:00 am – Noon
  &
  February 5, 2009 at Lakeview Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room (10501 47th Ave. SW Lakewood, WA)
  6:00 pm – 8:00 pm