We have some of the most engaged constituents in the state. Many of you have reached out to us regarding recent legislation involving Sound Transit. Thank you for giving us feedback. We take our constituents view seriously.
Here is an update on where things stand.
Last week, Rep. Mike Pellicciotti (D-Federal Way) introduced HB 2123 that addresses some issues with how we fund Sound Transit and how the car values are calculated for the ST3 car tab fees.
First, we both maintain support for Sound Transit. Our communities need diverse transportation options. Public transit is a key component in our region’s transportation matrix. However, as many of you have stated, car tab calculations need to be based on the actual value of a car and generated by the most up to date and accurate data.
Rep. Pellicciotti’s bill balances both of these priorities. We do realize, however, that there are conflicting reports about what HB 2123 precisely does. As your representatives, we would like to help clarify the function of this piece of legislation.
- The goal of the bill is to give relief on car tabs without defunding or derailing ST3. We support the full ST3 plan and would not support legislation that compromises the project.
- Uses the most accurate vehicle value calculations to assess taxes. This is about fairness to tax payers.
- Makes up for lost revenue by reducing Sound Transit’s leasing costs.
There is still some work to do to perfect this legislation and fully off-set the costs. That’s normal in the legislative process and we support those efforts to finalize and improve the proposal.
The Legislature needs to find a way to balance taxpayer fairness with the completion of ST3. Rep. Pellicciotti has a potential solution to address both issues. That is why we support his continued efforts to find a revenue-neutral solution.
If you want more information, go to Rep. Mike Pellicciotti’s website. There he has even more clarifying language.
Thank you again for being such an engaged constituency,
Rep. Bill Ramos Rep. Lisa Callan