42nd District
Position 1
Lynden

A message from Rep. Jason Overstreet | June 5, 2013

Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Today is the 22nd day of the 30-day special session. Budget negotiators have been meeting behind closed doors, but the only floor action to take place, in fact the only time the full House of Representatives has been in Olympia since the governor called the special session was last Thursday.
The only bill we took action on was House Bill 2064, a bill that would provide another tax revenue stream for House Democrats. The bill would reinstate the estate tax, or death tax, on married couples’ assets. The reason this issue has come up is in response to another Washington State Supreme Court ruling. The bill passed 51-40, essentially along party lines with all Republicans and one Democrat voted against it.
Taxing Main Street businesses – Even though the state is expected to take in an additional $2 billion in tax revenues for the next budget cycle House Democrats’ are still pushing to raise taxes. Recently, House Republicans received a complete list of the businesses that would be impacted by the business and occupation tax surcharge, House Bill 2038. Are you on the list? Click the photo on the right to find out. The measure contains a retroactivity clause requiring 65 families, who have deceased family members, to pay about $138 million in taxes to the state Department of Revenue. Continue reading →

House passes retroactive estate tax bill, Overstreet says legislation goes the wrong direction

The House of Representatives voted along party lines today to reinstate the estate tax on married couples’ assets response to a Washington State Supreme Court ruling. All Republicans and one Democrat voted against House Bill 2064.
The measure contains a retroactivity clause requiring 65 families, who have deceased family members, to pay about $138 million in taxes to the state Department of Revenue.
Rep. Jason Overstreet says the bill is likely unconstitutional based on Article 1, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution and Article 1, Section 23 of the Washington State Constitution, and is the wrong approach.
“This bill not only continues the death tax, but it reaches beyond the grave to penalize the deceased person’s family, and adds insult to injury by engaging in the unconstitutional practice of retroactivity,” said Overstreet, R-Lynden. “The best solution is for the Legislature to repeal this tax.” Continue reading →

42nd District legislators respond to I-5 bridge collapse

OLYMPIA…Following the collapse of a section of the bridge over the Skagit River on Interstate 5, the 42nd District legislative delegation, including Sen. Doug Ericksen, Rep. Vincent Buys and Rep. Jason Overstreet, issued the following statement.
“Today we give thanks that no deaths or major injuries resulted from the collapse of the I-5 Skagit River Bridge in the Burlington and Mt. Vernon area. The fact that everyone involved is accounted for and safe is truly a miracle. Continue reading →

A message from Rep. Jason Overstreet | April 26, 2013

A message from Rep. Jason Overstreet | April 26, 2013 – House Bill 2038 – House Democrats pass massive tax package. House majority also proposing a 10 to 13-cent gas tax increase. Transportation reforms needed. Continue reading →

A message from Jason Overstreet | April 9, 2013

Jason Overstreet Home    |   About Jason    |    Jason’s Newsroom    |    Sponsored Bills    |    42nd Legislative District Map Dear Friends and Neighbors, I want to thank all of you who were able to participate in the telephone town hall Sen. Doug Ericksen, Rep. Vincent Buys and Continue reading →

Whatcom County telephone town hall meeting tonight, March 26

OLYMPIA…Sen. Doug Ericksen, Rep. Vincent Buys and Rep. Jason Overstreet will be hosting a telephone town hall meeting the evening of Tuesday, March 26. The hour-long forum will be an opportunity for Whatcom County residents to speak to their legislative delegation directly to ask questions and provide input on matters relating to state government.

42nd District Legislative Telephone Town Hall
Tuesday, March 26
6:30 to 7:30 p.m
Call 1-877-229-8493
Enter code 17803# Continue reading →

A message from Jason Overstreet | March 22, 2013

As we wrap up the 10th week of the legislative session, we are at a point when much of the focus will turn to the budget. The revenue (taxes and fees) forecast for the next year was announced this week giving budget writers a little more certainty about how many tax dollars they have as they craft a spending proposal. What is uncertain is what that spending plan might look like. I expect we will see a proposed budget from Gov. Inslee, the Senate and possibly one or two out of the House in the next week to ten days. Stay tuned, and I will share more on the tax and fee forecast with you below.
Telephone town hall – Sen. Doug Ericksen, Rep. Vincent Buys and I will be hosting a telephone town hall meeting the evening of Tuesday, March 26. Folks who want to participate can join the conversation at 6:30 p.m. by calling toll-free 1-877-229-8493 and then enter pin number 17803. The hour-long forum will give us an opportunity to speak with you and other citizens from around the 42nd Legislative District. You will also be able to ask questions by pushing *3 on your telephone keypad. We are looking forward to talking with you and providing an update on the session. Economic revenue forecast –
As I mentioned, earlier this week the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council released its quarterly revenue forecast for expected tax collections. It revealed an increase of $59 million in tax collections for the rest of the 2011-13 budget, but $19 million less than originally expected for the upcoming 2013-15 budget. Continue reading →

Ridgeline Middle School student spends a week inside Olympia’s Legislature

Ridgeline Middle School student Mykaila L. Reach paged in the state House of Representatives Feb. 3 through Feb. 8. She was sponsored by 42nd District Rep. Jason Overstreet. Mykaila, 14, is the daughter of William Reach II and Shawnette Williams of Spanaway. Continue reading →

A message from Jason Overstreet | March 11, 2013

Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Bill cutoff nears

It’s day 57 in Olympia. And things are moving rapidly–at a snails pace. Let me explain. Wednesday, March 13 is the last day for House bills to be voted off the House floor and to be transmitted to the Senate. The majority’s “easy” bills have been voted on at this point, leaving those bills that don’t have universal agreement amongst the majority or the House in general. This is the point at which, legislators need to hear from their constituents on the issues that matter to them. Continue reading →

House Republicans on state transportation system: Fix it before you fund it

Continue reading →