WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Let the Senate hear from you

Wednesday, April 26, at 3 p.m.

Senate Ways & Means Committee

John A. Cherberg Building, Senate Hearing Room 4

Public hearing on progressive tax reform.

 

In the past, I have shared my views with you regarding the House Democrats’ budget and revenue plans, as compared to the Senate Republican plan. We have a plan that puts families first by making key investments in K-12 education, early learning, higher education, critical human services, housing, and the environment. Our plan also fully funds the state employee collective bargaining agreements.

We pay for these investments through a progressive tax reform plan that provides relief to middle-class families and small businesses while asking wealthier Washington residents to pay their fair share.

You’ve heard from me, but now it is time for Senators to hear from you! The Senate Republicans are holding a hearing on our progressive tax plan, which begins to fix our upside-down tax code. We know the committee room will fill with special interest lobbyists representing the industries that benefit from the nearly 700 tax exemptions currently on the books. They are opposed to progressive tax reform because they have spent decades working to get corporate carve-outs that allow their clients to pay fewer taxes, which effectively shifts the tax burden to everyone else. They should not be the only stakeholders in that room.

Do you support progressive tax reform? Do you want fully funded K-12 schools, safe communities, and clean water? If so please consider taking the time out of your busy schedule to testify in favor of SB 5929 this Wednesday at 3 p.m.

The only other alternative on the table is the Senate Republican budget. Their budget raises $5.5 billion in state property taxes while cutting local education funding, early learning, higher education, housing, human services, and many other parts of the state budget. Their budget does not fund state employee contracts.

I hope you agree that this is the wrong direction for Washington. Please consider coming to the Legislature this Wednesday to let your voice be heard in support of the House Democrats’ “Families First” budget that meets the needs of Washington state and embraces a more progressive tax code.

  • Wednesday, April 26, at 3 p.m.
  • Senate Ways & Means Committee
  • John A. Cherberg Building, Senate Hearing Room 4
  • Public hearing on progressive tax reform.