House and Senate Democrats have unveiled massive competing tax increase proposals that legislative Republicans say would crush Washington’s working families. John Sattgast reports.
Ranging from 15- to 20-billion dollars, if either House or Senate Democrat proposal is enacted, it would be the largest tax increase in the history of Washington state. Drew Stokesbary is the House Republican leader.
“Their budgets would tax the jobs right out of Washington. But it wouldn’t just tax the jobs out of Washington. It would tax the joy out of Washingtonians.”
Components of the Democrat packages include a new business and occupation tax surcharge on large businesses, a property tax increase, a new payroll tax, and a new tax on unrealized capital gains. House Republican Budget Leader Travis Couture said it would make Washington even more unaffordable.
“This extremely large tax increase would crush the middle class, would harm the working class, and harm businesses, and kill jobs.”
SATTGAST: Couture says the state budget can be balanced without major cuts or tax increases. He plans to release a package of budget reform bills later this week that he says would force the state to live within its means.
John Sattgast reported from the state Capitol.