Republican senators agree with Gov. Bob Ferguson’s view that the $12 billion package of tax increases proposed by Senate Democrats this week is too large
The Republican senators who crafted the no-new-taxes “$ave Washington” operating budget say they agree with Gov. Bob Ferguson’s view that the $12 billion package of tax increases proposed by Senate Democrats this week is too large.
From Sen. Chris Gildon of Puyallup, who is Senate Republican budget leader:
“We agree with the governor that $12 billion in new taxes is unsustainable and too risky – but to us, that would be true no matter who is in the White House. If we truly want our state to be ready for any sort of fiscal turbulence, let’s have a new budget that avoids tax increases completely – whether they’re ‘progressive’ or not. The $ave Washington budget we’re offering is the only budget that protects services, preserves the rainy-day fund, makes smart investments in K-12 and public safety, and doesn’t need a single tax increase to balance. It’s the best answer to the governor’s concerns.”
From Sen. Nikki Torres of Pasco, who is assistant budget leader:
“Our Democratic colleagues on the Senate Ways and Means Committee are poised to vote for much more than $12 billion in new taxes at tomorrow morning’s meeting, so the governor’s comments are right on time. But I have to respectfully disagree with his view that they have made progress on ‘addressing our regressive tax system.’ Their sales-tax increase on top of the property-tax increases they’ve wanted all along is definitely more regressive, not less.
“To us, any new taxes would be risky. The question now is whether the Democrat legislators will heed the governor’s words or continue going back and forth with him.”
Also read:
- Opinion: The legislature has committed $2.4 billion to recurring pension increases since 2018
Six legislative COLAs have raised public employer costs by $2.38 billion since 2018, driving up unfunded pension liabilities and increasing burdens on county and city budgets. - Opinion: ‘Just because they got away with it doesn’t mean they weren’t wrong’
A Skamania County deputy’s report found violations of county rules and the Open Public Meetings Act, but no prosecutor acted on the findings. - More drama at Clark County Council in regard to its representatives on the C-TRAN Board
Councilors debated whether C-TRAN board representatives must follow group mandates, with Michelle Belkot refusing to commit to new voting rules and Glen Yung opposing her nomination. - Opinion: Small things grow great by concord
Washington’s initiative process gives citizens direct power to challenge lawmakers. Failed restrictions and new measures on girls’ sports, parental rights, and citizenship prove the influence of grassroots action. - Opinion: California’s $20 fast food minimum wage creates less jobs and lower income
Study data show California fast food workers now face fewer shifts, higher menu prices, and widespread automation after the $20 wage hike.
wpDiscuz
