Job creator for rural counties headed for House vote

March 1, 2007

OLYMPIA – Rural businesses would receive state help for adding workers to their payroll under a proposal approved today in committee.

Rep. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim) is sponsoring the measure which updates a tax credit to help job growth in designated empowerment zones, as well as rural counties.

“As it stands now, businesses can’t make good use of the tax credit,” Van De Wege said. “I’m hoping businesses will see this bill as sign from the state that we want them expanding and building up rural communities.”

Van De Wege has made job growth a priority in the Legislature and sees this bill as another opportunity for rural counties.

Changes to the Rural County Tax Credit under the Van De Wege legislation (HB 1566) to make it easier for businesses to use, include:

- companies must apply for the credit within 90 days of hiring someone  (previously businesses had to apply in advance of hiring)

- technical change to how a business shows they’ve increased their workforce by 15 percent

- companies would have 120 days to fill a vacant position, as opposed to the current 30 allowed days

- changes have been made so seasonal workers can be used to apply for the credit

Van De Wege believes the bill will receive a House vote soon. It must also receive Senate approval before Gov. Gregoire can sign it into law.

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Staff contact: Andrew Dziedzic (360) 786-7218

HB 1566: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1566&year=2007

Radio and TV News Directors: To obtain broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or 360.786.7208.