Sen. Zarelli statement on Senate Democrat economic proposal

January 13, 2009

OLYMPIA… Sen. Joseph Zarelli, Republican leader on the Senate Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Economic Development, Trade and Management Committee, issued this statement regarding today’s economic proposal from Senate Democrats: 

“This package appears to be missing the one thing that is most essential to stimulating economic growth: incentive for the private sector, especially the Main Street employers who are the backbone of our economy, to invest in the things that will allow them to not only survive and compete but also to prosper. 

“It’s a lot easier to preserve jobs than to create them, and Senate Republicans would have emphasized that point had we been invited to help develop this package. We are instead looking at how the state can help employers keep their doors open – now, and next week, and next month – and get over this rough patch so fewer people end up on the unemployment line. 

“If the purpose of a stimulus package is to encourage employers, this package falls short with its emphasis on things like training people for jobs that have yet to emerge and expanding Internet access so people can sell products online. The one bright spot in this is the small business tax credit. Senate Republicans are looking at incentives like that and more as ways to give employers hope that Washington’s business climate will change for the better.” 

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For more information contact Eric Campbell
at (360) 786-7503 or campbell.eric@leg.wa.gov