Print Version

Could end up being the largest one-year tax hike in state history

The stalemate between Democrats in the Legislature moved one step closer to adjourning after the House passed a $755 million tax increase package, Senate Bill 6143. Republican State Rep. Glenn Anderson, R-Fall City, voted against the tax increases and issued the following statement:

“The budget and tax increase package are economic madness. At a time when almost one in six Washingtonians is either unemployed or underemployed, raising taxes is sure to further limit the opportunity for an economic recovery of Main Street across our state. Taxpayers have made it clear, they do not like the direction our state is headed. This tax increase would put our state on a financial death march down the same path as California, which is facing a budget implosion. We are doing exactly the same thing that has crushed the prosperity of California’s economy and sent it into a accelerated downward spiral.

“Instead of going after every reform in government and ignoring the powerful special interest groups to balance the budget, governing Democrats are increasing just about every tax on as many businesses and people as they can find. The budget reduces spending less than 1 percent and yet taxes are significantly increased. They just can’t justify that kind of recklessness. It’s time to get very serious about encouraging a competitive business climate that creates jobs.

“The future financial condition in Washington over the next decade could be extremely negative due to runaway government spending and allowing massive unfunded liabilities to accumulate in our state employee pension and retiree health care benefits systems.

“Dramatically reducing state spending, restructuring necessary government services to be less costly and aggressive job growth are the initiatives the Legislature must take on, regardless of who is in charge. In order to invest in our future we must get back to a stable state-driven budget based on job and wage growth - not bailouts from the federal government. Raising taxes would hold us back from getting on our feet and moving forward.

Idaho recognizes the burden Washington’s tax hikes would have on the state’s employers trying to keep their doors open and people employed. Idaho’s governor recently sent out an open letter encouraging Washington businesses to relocate there. He has made it clear he is coming after our businesses and the jobs they create by offering business-friendly policies and tax structures. We should take a lesson from him.”

###

For more information, contact Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7252



Tagged as: , , , ,