“As chair of the Senate Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection Committee, I know that Boeing is a critical part of Washington’s economy. Our state and Boeing have had a mutually beneficial relationship that has paid dividends for Boeing, our workers, their families and our economy for nearly a century.

“Now is not the time for finger pointing and political posturing. Now is the time for constructive solutions. I am hopeful that there is still progress to be made.

“The impasse between Boeing and the Machinists is real. I’ve talked with both sides, and I see both sides of the issue. Washington doesn’t want to become a state with few protections for the middle class. At the same time, Boeing needs and deserves predictability and certainty in its workforce.

“I believe and hope that common ground between Boeing and the Machinists is still possible.

“There is no question there would be a major effect on Washington’s economy without Boeing. Just as there is little question that Boeing would be worse off without Washington’s skilled workforce, strong education and competitive infrastructure.”