| In the face of an overwhelming negative response from Retro enrollees, L&I Director Gary Moore is still expected to follow through on his political commitment to organized labor and implement his Retro Cap Rule. However, he did relent slightly and delay implementation until after July 1. This will spare employer groups sponsoring retro programs from having to make radical changes to enrollment contracts and fee structures in their 2000 programs.
Letters from members of the Kitsap County Association of Homebuilders (HBA) objecting to this proposal numbered more than 100, while the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) estimates that the total number of letters and telephone calls opposing the rule change exceeded 1,500.
In spite of that overwhelming outpouring from small business owners who will suffer serious financial harm by the ruling, West Sound Democratic legislators Pat Lantz, Phil Rockefeller, Betti Sheldon and Kathy Haigh were all unsympathetic and supported Moore’s blatantly political move to cater to organized labor’s wishes. The notable Democratic exception was Senator Tim Sheldon who joined Rep. Beverly Woods and Senator Bob Oke in supporting business on this issue.
Upon implementation of the rule by the Department of Labor & Industries, BIAW is expected to file legal action enjoining L&I from enforcing the rule. If granted, the injunction could tie up the matter in court for several years. |
