SB 5798 hugely unpopular despite almost no mention by news media
More than 43,000 people have signed in to oppose Senate Bill 5978, a proposal that would drastically raise property taxes — more than four times the opposition received for any previous bill to receive a public hearing in the Senate.
SB 5978 is scheduled for ahearing today at 4 p.m. in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The proposal has already proven to be wildly unpopular, despite receiving little media coverage.
If passed, SB 5978 would eliminate the current 1% cap on annual property-tax increases by state and local governments without requiring voter approval. Future rate increases would be tied to inflation and population growth, potentially raising property taxes by 8% to 9% annually.
Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, offered this reaction:
“I haven’t heard a single property owner or renter say they want to pay more in taxes on their home. I’m encouraged by the overwhelming opposition to this latest attempt by the Democrats to raise property taxes. We’ve worked hard to educate the public about Senate Bill 5978, and the response has been clear: people do not want the property-tax rate to grow beyond 1% a year without their say. They have good reason to feel that way. If this tax had been in effect for the past decade, property taxes would be 50% higher today. There’s a reason Washington voters supported the 1% cap nearly 25 years ago — to keep government accountable to voters. If cities and counties need more money to provide critical services than the current cap allows, they should make their case directly to the people, as the law permits.
“What’s odd is the lack of media coverage on this bill. I can understand why Democrats might not want to draw attention to it, because it completely contradicts the claim that they’re making the wealthy pay more, but the public has a right to know. It’s puzzling that the media is not doing more to inform people about a policy that could have such a significant, detrimental impact on people across Washington, regardless of their income.
“To make matters worse, Senate Bill 5978 contains a provision that strips citizens of their right to repealing the bill through a referendum. While an initiative would still be an option, it requires gathering twice as many signatures to qualify for the ballot. Even if the media isn’t interested in the size of this tax increase, then at least report on how this bill repeatedly undermines the will of the voters.”
For more information, go to www.senatorjohnbraun.com
Follow Washington Senate Republicans on social media @WashingtonSRC
Also read:
- Former legislator and County Chair Eileen Quiring O’Brien announces candidacy for Clark County auditor
Former Clark County Chair Eileen Quiring O’Brien has announced her candidacy for county auditor following Greg Kimsey’s decision not to seek re-election. - WA Democrats push for mid-decade redraw of congressional maps
Washington Democrats have introduced a constitutional amendment that would allow congressional redistricting outside the normal post-census cycle, drawing sharp partisan debate. - County Council votes to increase sales tax for yet-to-be-finalized plan for affordable housing
Clark County Council approved a sales tax increase intended for housing-related uses despite concerns from one councilor that no final spending plan is in place. - Opinion: Majority party policies still making life more expensive for Washingtonians
Rep. John Ley outlines his opposition to new taxes, raises concerns about state spending, and details legislation he plans to pursue during the 2026 Washington legislative session. - Fluoride fights bubble up around Washington
City councils across Washington are debating whether to remove fluoride from drinking water as dental and health experts cite long-standing evidence of its safety and benefits.
