Submitted by Sen. Ranker’s office

Sen. Kevin Ranker delivered a speech on Feb. 17, urging the Senate to reject a pair of Republican measures which he said will erode the rights of working families and employees throughout the state.

“We need to increase predictability, stability and security for Washington’s workforce,” he said. “We must build our middle class, not erode it further.”

The bills of concern were SBs 5112 and 5158. Ranker said the initial bill would tear down protections for injured Washington workers by rushing them back to work. The second bill would allow employers to pay employees less than legal wages.