Will lawmakers decide whether to rubber-stamp a taxapalooza or will they pretend fiscal sanity still exists?
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WA Democrats: Raising Taxes While Ignoring Voters (and Their Own Governor)
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Washington Senate Democrats just rammed through a $12 billion tax package—even after Gov. Bob Ferguson begged
them to tone it down and a poll showed 80% of voters want spending cuts, not tax hikes. The plan hits everything from property taxes and capital gains to business taxes and sales tax on things like advertising and security services. Sen. Noel Frame (D-Seattle) calls it “modernizing” the tax code, but most Washingtonians call it what it is: a cash grab. Even Ferguson said the tax binge was “too risky” and “unsustainable,” which is rich coming from a guy not exactly known for fiscal restraint. Polls show just 10% of voters support the Democrats’ tax-heavy plan, and individual proposals—like lifting the property tax cap and raising B&O taxes—are wildly unpopular. Senate Republicans offered a no-tax-hike alternative budget, but Democrats waved it off in favor of “ghost money” and gimmicks. Meanwhile, Democrats claim they’ve already slashed $7 billion but still somehow need billions more. Bottom line:
voters aren’t buying it, Ferguson’s distancing himself, and Democrats are plowing ahead anyway. Must be fun to govern with your fingers in your ears. Floor votes are expected in the House this week. Read more at MyNorthwest.com.
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Property Tax Hike Crashes and Burns—Again
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Democrats in Olympia have finally pulled the plug on their latest scheme to sidestep voters and hike property taxes. House Bill 2049 would’ve gutted the long-standing 1% cap on property tax growth, letting governments jack it up to as much as 3%—because apparently inflation and population growth mean you should pay more to live in your own home. Despite dreaming of an extra $200+ million for schools and local governments, the plan tanked when even their own leadership couldn’t agree on how hard to squeeze taxpayers. Rep. Steve Bergquist, a Democrat from Renton, quietly filed an amendment to kill the proposal, blaming the lack of a “three-corners agreement”—code for: not even Bob Ferguson could spin this as “helping working people.” Ferguson then claimed dropping the plan was “the right decision,” which is a nice way of saying “we got caught.” For the second year in a row, Democrats tried to sneak in a
property tax hike, and for the second year in a row, reality—and public backlash—slapped it down. Read more at Washington State Standard.
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Remembering Sen. Bill Ramos
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Washington state is mourning the sudden passing of Sen. Bill Ramos, D-Issaquah, who died Saturday at age 69 during a trail run. Ramos, a dedicated public servant, served the 5th Legislative District since 2019, first in the House and most recently in the Senate after winning election last November. Lawmakers from both parties expressed shock and sorrow, remembering him as a kind, joyful colleague who worked tirelessly on issues ranging from transportation and housing to public safety and the environment. A moment of silence was held in his honor as the Senate reconvened Monday. Our deepest condolences go out to Sen. Ramos’ family, friends, and colleagues.
Read more at Center Square.
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Legislative Session Nears Conclusion
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With the legislative session set to adjourn on April 27, lawmakers are working to finalize key legislation, including the state budget and associated tax measures. Upcoming committee meetings this week will address various fiscal and policy issues as the deadline approaches. You can find final agenda items here.
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