The state Senate this morning passed bills that would boost unemployment benefits and give small businesses a tax break if they create new jobs.

Senate bill 1906 would give the state's unemployed an extra $45 each week. Gov. Chris Gregoire and House Democrats support the move.

The measure, which supporters say will stimulate the economy by tapping into the state's flush unemployment-insurance fund, received a vote of 43-4. The bill proposes taking $193 million from the $4 billion trust fund over the next year to give unemployed workers much needed cash as early as May 3, raising the minimum weekly payment amount to $200 and the maximum to $586.

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, sponsored the bill and told fellow lawmakers the proposal will "put money directly in the pockets of those who need it."

Senate Minority Leader Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, voted against the measure because he believes it is unwise to draw down the fund without knowing how long the recession will last.

The tax break for businesses, Senate bill 5899, would provide credits to small companies that employee up to 10 people, if they create new jobs.

Specifically, the bill would provide a $2,000 tax credit for the creation of jobs that pay wages and benefits between $27,000 and $40,000. And $4,000 credits for jobs with pay and benefits exceeding $40,000. The bill also requires companies to offer a health-care plan. The bill caps the hit to the state treasury at $5 million per year.

Both bills now go to the House for consideration.