Van De Wege applauds governor’s call for one-percent property tax cap session

Nov. 19, 2007

Statement from state Rep. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim) on Gov. Gregoire calling for a special session:

Over the last year I’ve been a consistent voice to codify the one percent limit on property tax rate increases.

I joined 39 members of the House last session in sponsoring House Bill 2117 to codify the one-percent cap, stated post-session that I would support a special session if the court overturned it, and when it was struck down I called for the Legislature to act as soon as possible to reinstate the will of the people in my district and the state.

I’m relieved we will be taking action now. The only way people back home can be assured their rates won’t dramatically increase is to act quickly in restoring the limit—anything less is simply unacceptable.

During this special session lawmakers must focus on reinstating the one-percent cap and resist the urge to jump the gun on issues slated for next session. People need this property tax relief and clouding it with other issues jeopardizes the livelihood of families in my district.

I look forward to voting yes next week to assure voters can continue to count on future property tax increases being limited to one percent.

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Staff contact: Andrew Dziedzic (360) 786-7218

Radio and TV News Directors: To obtain broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or 360.786.7208.