Lawmakers in the Senate Labor, Commerce & Tribal Affairs Committee recognized Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday by hearing several bills that are intended to support Washington workers. Senate Bill 5835 relates to worker’s compensation benefits and is sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña, D-Seattle.
Currently, unmarried workers who file workers’ compensation claims make on average 5 percent less than their married counterparts, regardless of how many children the worker has. Additionally, married workers who file temporary or permanent claims get an extra $10 per month while receiving monthly payments, something unmarried workers are not entitled to.
In response, Saldaña introduced the Senate bill to align the rates, regardless of marital status. The bill also would make single workers eligible for the additional $10 a month. Saldaña said she became aware of the issue last year. She said the idea that single parents who may end up with a permanent disability may be paid less than married individuals seemed “confusing” to her.
“As we know, as a single parent you don’t have that support,” she said during testimony. “It struck me as antiquated language for something in the books.”
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