Sen. Mike Padden today voted in favor of the pro-aerospace measures that prompted a quick special session of the state Legislature. Before doing so, however, the Spokane Valley Republican made a bid to give other Washington employers the same level of legislative consideration.

“The same factors that drive up the cost of doing business for a big aircraft manufacturer in the Puget Sound area also affect the bottom line of family businesses in the Inland Northwest and across Washington,” Padden said.

“If extending and expanding a business-tax incentive and shortening the permitting process helps keep aerospace jobs in Washington, and brings new jobs in the form of the Boeing 777X project, then there’s value in the action we took today. But we ought to be offering those same advantages to employers statewide, which is why I co-sponsored amendments to that effect,” said Padden.

The Senate didn’t go along with Padden’s efforts to change Senate Bill 5952, which will extend one tax incentive already in place for aerospace and expand another; and Senate Bill 5953, which shifts more money toward the sorts of workforce training and permitting that aerospace employers value. Even so, Padden supported the measures but added that he looks forward to another try when the Legislature convenes in January.

“The Legislature made progress earlier this year on support for education, and toward making the state budget sustainable,” Padden said. “However, there is much more Olympia can and should do to address the needs of Washington employers, and encourage job creation. The discussion we had today helps set the stage for that.”