It’s a classic no-brainer:
- A legislative proposal that directly affects a major industry is supported by the competing
segments of that industry – and in fact, was worked out in consultation with the industry – even though it taxes the industry’s products. - It levels the playing field for the competitors in the industry, so no company has an unfair advantage.
- It provides $110 million in additional revenue for the state in the 2013-15 budget cycle – money that can be spent on schools, colleges, social services, criminal justice and other critical needs.
- Maybe more importantly, it shields the state from a potential $1 billion liability – money that would be taken away from…well, see the preceding item.
- It includes protections for many residents affected by the taxes.
- It passed the House 74-22 with broad bipartisan support.
And yet, it languishes in the Republican-ruled Senate.
The issue is tax reform in the telecommunications industry, addressed in House Bill 1971.
But don’t take our word for it: Read this editorial from The Seattle Times.