BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – State lawmakers are considering whether striking workers should receive unemployment benefits as healthcare workers in Bellingham prepare to hit the picket line.

SB 5041 would pay striking private sector workers for up to 12 weeks, starting after at least two weeks on the line.

Democratic state Senator Marcus Riccelli sponsored the bill, which he says would offer a “social safety net” to level the playing field for striking workers.

So far only two states give striking workers unemployment benefits.

The bill was passed out of the Senate and faces its final committee hearing in the House on Monday.

It comes as Cascadia Daily News reports that more than 900 unionized employees as PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center have started to vote on whether to authorize a strike.