State retailers grateful for votes

Thanks to Washington state Congressional Reps. Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen and Derek Kilmer for their recent votes to grant President Obama new authority to negotiate international trade agreements that would benefit our state.

The Washington Retail Association and many of our members rely on robust trade as an engine of economic growth and job creation. The new Trade Promotion Authority policy creates a partnership of the president and Congress seeking to lower tariffs and eliminate barriers to growing U.S. trade prospects. TPA will allow the U.S. to demand high standards and transparency from our trading partners.

Forty percent of Washington state jobs depend upon the rewards of international trade. We thank Reps. DelBene, Larsen and Kilmer for their continued support of trade and job growth in their districts.

Jan Teague, President/CEO

Washington Retail Association

Olympia