If you are a worker covered by the state fund Department of Labor and Industries, you should be relieved of the L&I medical aid payroll deduction from July 1-Dec. 31, 2007. This is the result of the "rate holiday" commencing July 1 for two quarters, established by Governor Chris Gregoire. Washington, unlike any other state, funds it state fund L&I program with contributions both from employers and from workers. This should impact state fund (but not self insured) workers because state fund workers pay half the medical aid premium; the other half is paid by the employer. Be sure and check your deductions beginning in July 2007. State fund employees account for 2/3 of the Washington state workers; the other third work for large employers such as Boeing and Weyerhauser who self-insure their workman's compensation programs. The rate holiday does not apply to self insured employers because such employers and employees do not contribute to the state Medical Aid fund.