OLYMPIA—On Tuesday, March 9, the Washington House of Representatives passed a bill that puts more money in the pockets of working families. House Bill 1297 sponsored by Rep. My-Linh Thai, D-Bellevue, is an expansion of the 2008 working families tax exemption, making over 400,000 taxpayers in Washington eligible for a credit between $500 and $950.
“Many working families in Washington are one the brink of economic catastrophe,” said Rep. Thai. “Too many Washingtonians are just one missed paycheck or unexpected bill away from disastrous long-term economic hardships.”
“Black and Indigenous Washingtonians, as well as other people of color are experiencing this at particularly high rates,” continued Thai. “I sponsored this bill to put money back in the pockets of Washingtonians who need it most, hopefully granting some measure of financial security.”
The expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit means greater financial stability for over 400,000 taxpayers, improving the lives of 1 in 4 children in Washington. House Bill 1297 passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 94–2 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.