Inlsee Acts to Delay Washington Cares Fund

It looks as though Washington employees will get a reprieve from paying into the state's new long-term care social insurance program.

Governor Inslee released a joint statement Friday announcing businesses will not be subject to penalties and interest for not withholding employees' fees for the Washington Cares Fund while legislators sort out some problems.

The legislation has come under criticism for several issues, chief among that there are many workers in Washington State that would pay into the system but not see any benefits.

In his statement, Inslee said, "We need to give legislators the opportunity to make refinements to the bill."

The full statement from Governor Inslee is as follows:

“I have been in ongoing discussions with legislators about the long-term care bill, which is set to begin collecting funds in January. This bill will help provide much-needed care and coverage for Washingtonians as they age. However, legislators have identified some areas that need adjustments and I agree. We need to give legislators the opportunity to make refinements to the bill. Therefore, I am taking measures within my authority and ordering the state Employment Security Department not to collect the premiums from this program from employers before they come due in April. My actions mean that the state will not collect those funds until the Legislature sorts through these issues. While legislation is under consideration to pause the withholding of LTC fees, employers will not be subject to penalties and interest for not withholding fees from employees' wages during this transition."