Rep. Chris Corry has filed a new bill to help cities and counties address revenue challenges without increasing taxes.
“As I have made clear since before the start of the 2024 legislative session, I am laser-focused on pushing back against any tax increases proposed by the majority party,” said Corry, R-Yakima. “Right now, they have several, and I am proposing a better way.”
Corry is particularly concerned with Senate Bill 5770, a bill first introduced late last session, that would raise the more than 20-year-old 1% cap on the growth of state and local property taxes to 3%. It received a hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Jan. 18.
“Make no mistake, this bill will hurt Washingtonians – especially those struggling to make ends meet,” said Corry. “Property taxes are already high. Some homeowners have been driven from their homes due to the high costs, and many more are sure to follow if this bill passes. While 3% may not sound significant, it is significant because it allows that increase annually, creating a brutal compounding effect. On top of allowing cities and counties to increase property taxes by 3% annually, it allows that increase without voter approval, eliminating the current process approved by the voters.”
The estimated compounding effect of SB 5770:
- Increase state and local property tax collections by an estimated $4.4 billion over the next five years
- Bloat to over $12 billion in new property tax revenue by 2034
Corry’s bill solves local jurisdiction’s financial issues without costing taxpayers a dime.
“With the state bringing in millions more in surplus dollars from other taxes recently enacted in Olympia, such as Gov. Jay Inslee’s cap-and-trade program and the capital gains tax, it is ludicrous to try to squeeze one more cent from the people of Washington state,” said Corry. “At the same time, I recognize cities and counties have limited means to fund mandates enacted in Olympia.”
Under House Bill 2436, the state would lower the state sales tax by 0.5% while allowing cities and counties the ability to raise their sales tax by 0.5% to get the revenue they need if they get voter approval.
“For me, it is a simple equation,” said Corry. “The state takes less, and local jurisdictions can work with their constituents to keep that money locally. The proposal would prevent increased tax burdens on citizens.”
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